by Andrea James | Apr 19, 2018 | Journalism, Life & technology tips, That's Life
A few years ago, our home security provider installed new fire alarm detectors in my house. They emitted loud, high-pitched beeps at even the slightest detection of heat, smoke or steam. Boiling water set off the one in the kitchen. A steamy shower set off the one in...
by Andrea James | Oct 12, 2011 | Curiosity, Journalism, Politics, Wall Street logic
My initial reaction to the #OccupyWallStreet protests is this: Our public schools are failing many of our kids. This is not new and I’m not the first to say it. People know that to compete in a global, information-based and technological economy, education is...
by Andrea James | Dec 13, 2010 | Communication, Inspiration, Journalism
Journalism professor Robert Marshall Wells opened class once by writing this on the board: Fresh Fish Sold Here He turned to the class. “You run a fish market. You want to get your sign as short as possible. You want to catch the readers’ attention and convey your...
by Andrea James | Nov 11, 2010 | Inspiration, Journalism, Photos, That's Life
For a guest lecture once at Pacific Lutheran University, I compiled a list of interviewing techniques for journalism students. The key lesson that topped them all was this: Do not lie. Be smart enough to figure out how to get the story without deception. Being upfront...
by Andrea James | Oct 9, 2010 | Inspiration, Journalism, That's Life
I can’t help but be incredibly moved by stories of human rescue and triumph. It taps into something deep. I can still recall crying at my desk at FDIC in the summer of 2002, reading about the Quecreek Mine Rescue online. Those nine men were trapped for 78 hours...
by Andrea James | Jul 7, 2010 | Inspiration, Journalism
Recently, I was thinking over some of the harshest criticisms I’ve received in my career, and how I’m thankful for them now. I decided to have some fun with this idea, so I pinged some journalist friends with this challenge: “I want you guys to try...