What was your first job as a journalist?
My impetus was finishing my books and established graduate school conflict of interest concerns. The blogging wave had just started.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, I grew up having to use typewriters just like the old greats. In fact, I still write out my articles by hand so I can edit and reedit.
How is social media changing news?
Good: quick quotes. Bad: entraps people into short-circuitry. (People need to read outside stuff and free print papers help).
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I grew up listening to radio, literally, and sneak listening to NPR, KPFA, KFCF, and inspired by Goodman, Keillor, Nightwolf..
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Columbia Press brings different authentic strains into the discourse for harmony in creative problem solving on today's pressing issues.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email is the best way to reach me.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
MS Office, Wordpress, Notepad, Drupal, Google, Adobe, Evernote, CAD, LibreOffice, Canon, Skype, Facebook, Android, BookDesignWizard, ETC
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook can be very useful at times especially for learning about day-to-day interactions and public meeting dates.
Who do you wish followed you?
We need to work together not follow one another so much. Safer for the cause and helps in up-welling opportunities.
Why did you become a journalist?
It was an outgrowth from my desire to be seen and heard as a writer. An unconventional path for an unconventional person ;)
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Mr. Berglund did not want me on his school yearbook team. But I was scribbler and did do theater arts including at Chinese School.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Criminalization of the poor and environment are big issues, but so are the elections. I've always been a polymath.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Start you own blog early. Blogging gives you confidence.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I am looking for potential collaborators, especially AAPI writers or freelance articles needed in environment/social justice/peace topics.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best stories just happen on the road, like about my stories about Sound Transit. I always get freebies, blessings
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Something like Daily Kos where you can get kicked off based on the TipJar?
What's your favorite drink?
Herbal teas and smoothies.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
DC Public Library
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
healthline.com
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
People judge you based on the story you are working on, such as writing on poverty. That's why drama and arts help draw people in.
