Profile Review on Oprah Winfrey

http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0pro-1

Oprah Winfrey 

 a. Where is the profile published?

-The profile is published in Academy of Achievement.

b.  Is this profile written for public relations purposes? What’s the purpose?

-This profile is written to discuss the milestones of Oprah Winfrey’s life and the goals she has reached.

c. Does the story have a catchy, effective headline?

-Yes, the catchy headline is “America’s Beloved Best Friend”. This headline brings the reader in and also somewhat summarizes what the author is going to talk about.

d. Is the flow and organization effective? Does it tell a story in chronological order? (People’s lives are chronological, but that can make for a boring story).

-Yes, the flow and organization is effective and tells a story in chronological order. Even though the story is told in order, her life still comes across interesting, and allows the reader to draw conclusions about why Oprah did the things she did in her life. For example, in the beginning the author talks about how Oprah started learning to read when she was extremely young, and then later goes on to talk about how books are her outlet as an adult.

e. Does the author treat the profile like an obituary whereby there are facts only? Or does the author engage the reader?

-The author engages the reader by adding quotes in every paragraph and describes in detail the goals Oprah has accomplished throughout her life.

 f. Is the story colorful? Did the author tap into the senses?

-I found the profile colorful because Oprah has had an exciting life. The author didn’t necessary tap into the senses but with all of the quotes and the order the story was written, made it easy and interesting to read.

g. Does the story seem well researched? Does it seem like the author interviewed the subject or conducted research alone?

-It seemed as though the author interviewed Oprah and also did intense research. The quotes were from both Oprah and significant people in her life.

h. Are there quotes? Do these lend to the story? Or do they fall flat? (You should try to incorporate quotations every three to four paragraphs. They don’t need to be long, but they should punctuate the point you are trying to make.)

-There are quotes in each paragraph. There are a lot of quotes but it doesn’t take away from the story, it adds to the authenticity of Oprah’s life.

i. Does the story focus on only one aspect of the person’s life? For example, if the subject is the founder of a non-profit, does the story talk only about his relationship to the organization, or does the author sprinkle in other details to fill in the story? (In your profile, you’ll want to include flashbacks to convey how the respondent got to where he/she is today.)

-The story focuses on many different parts of Oprah’s life. It starts with her childhood and goes through her life and how she has reached her massive success. The author brings in people that have helped her throughout her life, the different jobs she’s had, and Oprah’s thought on how she got to where she is today.

j. Does the author make the subject seem like a real person or is the subject put on a pedestal. (Remember, in your profile, you want to provide positive visibility, but it has to be accurate and believable. Often times, introducing a subject’s shortcomings or failures helps to make the reader see the subject as a real person.)

-In the beginning of the profile the author describes Oprah and what she has done like a real person, but near the end she is put on a pedestal. In my opinion, putting her on a pedestal was understandable for the accomplishments she’s made in her life.

k. Is there a general theme to the story? Does the closing paragraph reference back to a quote or anecdote from earlier in the story? (This often helps bind the story together in a cohesive, narrative package).

-The theme to the story is about the kind of person Oprah is and the successful life she has had. The only the thing the author did at the end of the story was refer back to the title of the profile. I think the author could have put something in about her early life and made it relevant to her life now.

l. Does the profile adhere to AP style and news format, i.e., datelines, contact information, -MORE-end signs and perhaps even boilerplate information?

-Yes, the author did follow AP style but not really news format, except for writing a creative headline. I think the style was mostly aimed at entertainment to Oprah’s fans and a quick way to find out significant information about her.

An Experience at Rawbar Restaurant and Sushi

Sushi bar inside The Rawbar Restaurant and Sushi

Walking onto its all black-tiled floor, The Rawbar Restaurant and Sushi located in downtown Chico, immediately gives off an Asian fusion theme. The dim lighting from the colorful glass fixtures hanging from the ceiling sets a romantic mood in the restaurant.

The modern style sushi bar takes up about half of the restaurant and behind it stands two sushi chefs, hand crafting colorful sushi rolls. With high stools offered at the sushi bar people sit close and talk over their meals.

On the other side of the restaurant is an option to either dine at a table or a booth, lined up against a wall decorated with round shaped mirrors and wall lanterns. There is also a choice to dine with a view from the window, looking out onto the nightlife of downtown Chico.

Sitting at the sushi bar, a display refrigerator sits showing off the fresh fish that is offered. The waiter is quick with orders and is always checking to make sure the guests are comfortable.

The sushi chefs are quick to ask for an order and while preparing the rolls offer to answer any questions or discuss newly added items to the menu.

The rolls are fresh and have great flavor with an array of sauces available. While eating, the atmosphere in the restaurant is alive with people of all ages. Conversations and laughter circulate the restaurant, along with chefs calling out freshly made orders.

Some rolls are smaller than others but are still very filling. The bill at the end of dinner isn’t overwhelmingly expensive, and seems like a reasonable amount for a night of fun, romance, and delicious cuisine.