Feature Article

Allie Ladage

11-11-2011

COMM 337

Feature Article

Nuclear Policy Analyst II Discusses Radon, Her Job, and Freelance Writing

Written by Allie Ladage

            Cindy Ladage, a native of Virden, is the outreach coordinator for the radon program at Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). She shares information regarding radon, a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer to the public. It is rated as the second most leading cause of lung cancer and is very deadly. Ladage also assists with the licensing of radon professionals. She aims to encourage the public to test their homes for radon. The purpose of Ladage’s job is to try and reduce the risk of radon induced lung cancer. It is also her mission to inform the public on how they can protect themselves from getting sick with kits and tips.

            “I like taking the opportunity to help people to reduce the risk in lung cancer.” says Ladage. “If you have never tested your home for radon, then I recommend it. It’s very important, especially if you are a non-smoker. It can get into your homes, through your ventilation systems, and enhance the dangers of getting cancer.”

            Ladage graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield in 1980 with a Bachelor’s Degree in biology and a minor in botany. She first started at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield to get the natural feeling of college. The next year she transferred to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. After meeting her future and current husband, Keith, Ladage enrolled at the  University of Illinois Springfield and concluded her education there. In March 1980, she married Keith. And as soon as she was done with school, she landed a job at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and worked there until 1987. From there on, till 1991, she started a new career in the radon program at the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety (IDNS). The agency switched its title to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and presently remains. Ladage enjoys working with the public and feeling like she is making a difference. She also enjoys spending time with her family and freelance writing in her spare time since she is a part-time employee.

            There are not very many risks at Ladage’s job. The only way she would have hazards would depend on where she worked at during an emergency response and how dangerous the atmosphere would be. Otherwise, she is basically in charge of licensing the professionals and informing the public on radon. She does travel around the country a lot to do presentations at conferences. Recently, she took a trip to Chicago to announce the importance of radon to individuals. Ladage has also visited different schools and university with co-workers.

            Besides working for IEMA, Ladage is a part-time freelance writer on the side. She has gotten her name out there in the public relations and writing world. She broadened her talents and showed people what she can do and has written for numerous publications. Most of them are agricultural related magazines. The following publications she has subscribed to include Belt Pulley, Little Green, Farm World, Toy Farmer, Senior News, Illinois Times, Roots and Wings,  and much more. As a big focus, she and friend, Jane Aumann, have teamed up in the past and together they put their ideas into writing children’s books. Several of them are called Tucker’s Surprise and The Christmas Tractor. Ladage also wrote a few fiction novels in her life. These novels are called Where Did Laurita Go?, Fairytales are Fragile, and Love Forward. In addition, she has contributed a few short stories for an anthology book called Porch Swing Tales.

            Ladage has been freelance writing for fifteen years. She realized that she wanted to write for agriculture and different topics when she and her husband Keith visited tractor shows in other states and around Illinois. Keith is a farmer and has a deep passion and interest in antique tractors and displays. Obviously, Ladage figured that is she would be going to all of these shows, she would want to write about them. Subsequently, she started to subscribe her articles and stories for Belt Pulley. This was her first publication that she wrote for and she continued to expand her career as a freelance journalist.

            Ladage has an interest in people and their lives. She believes that everyone has a story and she wanted to write about them. This is what she imagines when it comes to understanding a part about freelance journalism. On the fiction part, Ladage was always writing stories ever since she was a little girl. She really wanted people to read what she wrote and show off her talent. It is true that Ladage is very gifted and has a wide range of stories to fill in for her portfolio.

            Ladage enjoys learning about different people and new things. The history of places and how interesting others can be is significant in her writing career. She really takes pleasure in being a part of something important. Traveling is also another thing that Ladage partakes in. She gets to see new sights and meet other people along the way.

            There are other writers who inspire Ladage. Her favorite authors are John Gresham, Mary Higgins-Clark, and Stewart Wood. She loves reading their books and gaining a sense of adventure by diving into their whimsical stories. Reading is a great way for Ladage to escape reality and relax when she is not busy.

            Ladage believes that if anyone has a dream, then he or she should go for it. Do not be afraid of what you believe in and follow your heart. Also, take chances and risks. As a writer, you learn a lot along the way and can create a whole new world of characters, places, themes, climaxes, settings, tones, styles, and moods. Not only that, but you can meet a lot of new and different people. It’s very important to expand your horizons and to see what is out there. Also, let others read your work. You can learn a lot through constructive criticism and do not give up. Writing is hard, however, it sincerely comes from the heart.

            “If it’s a dream of yours, then follow it. You’re never too old or young to go after your dreams.”

           

Feature Article

Allie Ladage

11-11-2011

COMM 337

Feature Article

Nuclear Policy Analyst II Discusses Radon, Her Job, and Freelance Writing

Written by Allie Ladage

            Cindy Ladage, a native of Virden, is the outreach coordinator for the radon program at Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). She shares information regarding radon, a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer to the public. It is rated as the second most leading cause of lung cancer and is very deadly. Ladage also assists with the licensing of radon professionals. She aims to encourage the public to test their homes for radon. The purpose of Ladage’s job is to try and reduce the risk of radon induced lung cancer. It is also her mission to inform the public on how they can protect themselves from getting sick with kits and tips.

            “I like taking the opportunity to help people to reduce the risk in lung cancer.” says Ladage. “If you have never tested your home for radon, then I recommend it. It’s very important, especially if you are a non-smoker. It can get into your homes, through your ventilation systems, and enhance the dangers of getting cancer.”

            Ladage graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield in 1980 with a Bachelor’s Degree in biology and a minor in botany. She first started at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield to get the natural feeling of college. The next year she transferred to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. After meeting her future and current husband, Keith, Ladage enrolled at the  University of Illinois Springfield and concluded her education there. In March 1980, she married Keith. And as soon as she was done with school, she landed a job at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and worked there until 1987. From there on, till 1991, she started a new career in the radon program at the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety (IDNS). The agency switched its title to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and presently remains. Ladage enjoys working with the public and feeling like she is making a difference. She also enjoys spending time with her family and freelance writing in her spare time since she is a part-time employee.

            There are not very many risks at Ladage’s job. The only way she would have hazards would depend on where she worked at during an emergency response and how dangerous the atmosphere would be. Otherwise, she is basically in charge of licensing the professionals and informing the public on radon. She does travel around the country a lot to do presentations at conferences. Recently, she took a trip to Chicago to announce the importance of radon to individuals. Ladage has also visited different schools and university with co-workers.

            Besides working for IEMA, Ladage is a part-time freelance writer on the side. She has gotten her name out there in the public relations and writing world. She broadened her talents and showed people what she can do and has written for numerous publications. Most of them are agricultural related magazines. The following publications she has subscribed to include Belt Pulley, Little Green, Farm World, Toy Farmer, Senior News, Illinois Times, Roots and Wings,  and much more. As a big focus, she and friend, Jane Aumann, have teamed up in the past and together they put their ideas into writing children’s books. Several of them are called Tucker’s Surprise and The Christmas Tractor. Ladage also wrote a few fiction novels in her life. These novels are called Where Did Laurita Go?, Fairytales are Fragile, and Love Forward. In addition, she has contributed a few short stories for an anthology book called Porch Swing Tales.

            Ladage has been freelance writing for fifteen years. She realized that she wanted to write for agriculture and different topics when she and her husband Keith visited tractor shows in other states and around Illinois. Keith is a farmer and has a deep passion and interest in antique tractors and displays. Obviously, Ladage figured that is she would be going to all of these shows, she would want to write about them. Subsequently, she started to subscribe her articles and stories for Belt Pulley. This was her first publication that she wrote for and she continued to expand her career as a freelance journalist.

            Ladage has an interest in people and their lives. She believes that everyone has a story and she wanted to write about them. This is what she imagines when it comes to understanding a part about freelance journalism. On the fiction part, Ladage was always writing stories ever since she was a little girl. She really wanted people to read what she wrote and show off her talent. It is true that Ladage is very gifted and has a wide range of stories to fill in for her portfolio.

            Ladage enjoys learning about different people and new things. The history of places and how interesting others can be is significant in her writing career. She really takes pleasure in being a part of something important. Traveling is also another thing that Ladage partakes in. She gets to see new sights and meet other people along the way.

            There are other writers who inspire Ladage. Her favorite authors are John Gresham, Mary Higgins-Clark, and Stewart Wood. She loves reading their books and gaining a sense of adventure by diving into their whimsical stories. Reading is a great way for Ladage to escape reality and relax when she is not busy.

            Ladage believes that if anyone has a dream, then he or she should go for it. Do not be afraid of what you believe in and follow your heart. Also, take chances and risks. As a writer, you learn a lot along the way and can create a whole new world of characters, places, themes, climaxes, settings, tones, styles, and moods. Not only that, but you can meet a lot of new and different people. It’s very important to expand your horizons and to see what is out there. Also, let others read your work. You can learn a lot through constructive criticism and do not give up. Writing is hard, however, it sincerely comes from the heart.

            “If it’s a dream of yours, then follow it. You’re never too old or young to go after your dreams.”

           

The Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon cat is a beautiful, long-haired cat hailing from Maine. It is said that is was bred by a Turkish Angora breed and domesticated short-hair cats, thus creating the origin and the establishment of the Maine Coon cat. This cat was bred along the coast of Maine and has great hunting features. They are the oldest breed in the United States and is the official state cat of Maine. According to Wikipedia, the Maine Coon is noted for its large bone structure, rectangular body shape, and long, flowing coat. The breed can be seen in a variety of colors and is known for its intelligence^[3] and gentle personality.^[2] Health problems, such as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia, are seen in the breed, but screening methods can help to reduce the frequency of these problems.

Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon cat is a beautiful, long-haired cat hailing from Maine. It is said that is was bred by a Turkish Angora breed and domesticated short-hair cats, thus creating the origin and the establishment of the Maine Coon cat. This cat was bred along the coast of Maine and has great hunting features. They are the oldest breed in the United States and is the official state cat of Maine. According to Wikipedia, the Maine Coon is noted for its large bone structure, rectangular body shape, and long, flowing coat. The breed can be seen in a variety of colors and is known for its intelligence^[3] and gentle personality.^[2] Health problems, such as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia, are seen in the breed, but screening methods can help to reduce the frequency of these problems.

Lincoln Museum

Allie Ladage

11-3-2011

COMM 337

Free Write

            If I had a chance to write a story about the Abraham Lincoln Museum, I would gather up my questions that I would ask my interviewee. First I would contact the director of the museum. I would also request an interview with the person who created the masterpieces behind the museum and the people who helped. I would get all of the information based on the construction of the Lincoln homes, wax figures, and historical artifacts. I would try and get as much background information as I could.

            After the interviews and quotes, I would write up the story and focus on the main purpose of the article…which would be reason being that the museum was created in the first place. I would target my article towards adults and young adults. It would be an informational and educational piece for people to learn from. I would put historical dates and events in it. I would also organize it by gathering up all the background information, contacts, and sources and put them together in one article.

Thoughts on Lewis

I can think we can all learn a lot from Lewis. He is very educated and organized with his writings and information. He has put an educational emphasis on the economic problems that are going on in Europe and the United States. I would have to say that I have learned a lot about economic issues that I haven't heard of at all! And it hurts to know that these countries are suffering. Not only that, but this world seems to be sufferieng from financial problems and if we can't make them improve, then how are we going to make things better?

Paper 3 and 4

Allie Ladage

10-30-2011

COMM 317

Paper 3 and 4

Analysis

            While reading Murray’s definitions on art and craft, there were similar, yet different answers. An art is something expressive and creative. Usually it is thought up as in an image that comes to life while the artist is establishing it with his or her hands. A craft is a skill and is generally hands on. For example, a welder puts together a wooden chair and using not only his hands, but a machine to help carve the wood. Writing is definitely practical and inventive. The writer comes up with the characters, summary, plot, climax, and much more. He or she outlines what will happen and sometimes the story will come naturally! It’s also best to see what or how other authors write. You can learn a lot about styles and moods from different writers and it can help advance your writing.

            When I wrote my first book, “Haunted Hayesville: The Haunting in the Hayesville High School”, I immediately started jotting down things that came into my mind. The characters’ names and attitudes came to life and then the rest of the story fell into place. It literally took me a month to write it. I was on my mom’s laptop every day and every night.  I have to say that this was a fun experience and when I finished, I was relieved. And when I was finished with the story, I sent it off to a publishing company called Publish America. They turned my story into a book and so far I’ve sold a few copies!

The feeling of having a book out there in the media is exciting and it makes me feel proud and accomplished. This also makes me want to continue on with my writing. I also get my writing inspirations from two people: my mom and R.L. Stine. My mom introduced me to the freelance writing world when I was a teenager. I knew I wanted to be a writer at the age of eleven, however, I didn’t know if I could make a lot of money off it. So she told me about journalism and that’s when I wanted to go into that field. I went to Lincoln Land Community College my first three years after high school and learned a lot. My professor was Brenda Protz and she taught me the basics of becoming a good writer and how to write journalistically.

Over the months, my writing has advanced. I am now a published freelance writer and have gotten my name submitted in the public relations realm. This is something I want to do with the rest of my life. I do not have one job set in my mind, I have many! I would like to try it all; editor, technical writer, newspaper or magazine writer, own my own science fiction magazine or newspaper, and a fiction novelist. I want to get as much experience as I can and test if all to see what I am capable of. I believe it’s important to try everything and see what is out there. Life is too short and in my future, I see a numerous opportunities opening up for my writing career. So far, it has advanced greatly! I am writing articles for the State Journal Register, one my dream papers! I also have two more that are coming out in two different issues and I’m very excited to see what the future holds for me!

In this paper, I will be analyzing Michael Lewis’s book called “Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World” and its importance to our modern day society. Lewis’s book is based upon a sequence of interconnected financial conflicts that started in 2008 in the United States. It expanded in Europe and is believed to be coming back to us once again. According to the Mackerel Wrapper, the Vanity Fair articles about “Boomerang” took place in Iceland, Greece, Ireland, Germany, and California. Lewis calls this chain of visitations the “financial disaster tour.”

Lewis’s style of writing is crafted and well researched. He uses his experiences and knowledge of finances that he learned while touring other countries. Lewis examined what was going on and discussed Europe’s debt crisis and the dangers it was facing in his book. And in his second book, “The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine”, he wrote about the monetary issues that Greece, Iceland, and Ireland suffered after having a tsunami attack in 2008. He even unearthed other people using cheap credit in the beginning of the adversity. This book has been an educational piece discussing the economic matters and had a broad outline for viewers to understand. It’s not about seeking a big understanding of the book’s concept, but to give at least a brief summary of what the crisis is based on.

Included in “The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine”, Lewis explains why the world is concerned about Greece’s failure to pay. He quoted that “If Greece walks away from $400 billion in debt, then the European banks that lent the money will go down, and other countries now flirting with bankruptcy.”  This means that a lot of countries in Europe could suffer from a financial crisis like the United States. It’s not only happening to us, but it’s happening overseas and this is a big problem. Lewis continues on with reasons why taxpayers in Germany, which is the euro’s main market, are unwilling to help contribute the money for the budget. They do not feel that they should have to wiggle their way out of other countries’ deliberation of irresponsible decisions.

Lewis’s first book “Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World”, are both artistic and crafted. From the artistic point of view, he is very descriptive and organized. For example, the part about Greece being the center focus of the budget crisis is an important factor of the story. As of right now, it is all up to Greece whether they want to give out the money or not. And if they don’t, then other European countries can suffer. Therefore, the democracy has a lot of thinking to do! If I was ever stuck in a situation like Greece and I had the money and president, I would give it to the government or agency in charge! In addition to this segment, Lewis’s book is well crafted. He is very methodical and uses careful word choices with the experiences he encountered in Greece, Ireland, Ireland, Germany, and California. A good example would be from that I used previously, the tsunami disaster along the coasts of Europe. They endured a lot of financial problems and damages to their homes and cities and villages. I think that this issue is related to other catastrophes such as the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan and Hurricane Katrina in the United States. Each nation lost a massive number of people, homes, businesses, jobs, and currency. It was hard to get everything back on track and situated once again. I recall hearing over the news that Louisiana was still in ruins a year later because of the destructions that it faced from the hurricane. I cannot even fathom the feelings of going through something like that.

According to Murray, the relationship between craft and art is how well the author establishes his or her story. It all depends on how it is pieced together and how organized it is. As I mentioned from the beginning, every story has a set of characters, dialogue, information, plots, settings, climaxes, moods, and styles. You cannot have a real story if you can’t use any of these elements. And Lewis does a fine job putting together all of these components. He uses very descriptive phrases and significant facts about economic conflicts that the world faces currently and in the future. I believe that Murray would think of Lewis as a well educated reporter. His facts are straight and to the point. He uses his research and applies it to his articles and books. Furthermore, as an artist, I believe that Murray would compliment Lewis on his sense of creativity and organization. He would recognize him as an educated man who knows his facts. And to conclude this bit, Lewis’s books are very important. They teach viewers all around the importance of finances and the economy. We are undergoing a recession and businesses are failing fast. If we cannot figure out ways to conserve money or to come up with strategies on how our economy can improve, then we’re going to be doomed for a very long time; maybe until the end of time.

I think that Lewis did a very good job on describing the economic crises that we are facing. It will help us to wake up and be alert on what is going on around us. Hopefully, the entire world will be able to improve their financial situations. It is a difficult time that we are going through. We most certainly do not want to go through a depression like America did back in 1929. That would be a lot worse!