Neon Tommy was one of the premier online news sites that was run by college students. I had the pleasure of working with many journalists who helped me grow as a reporter. I also became a more confident person as I handled many experiences such as photographing Air Force One and covering a Congressional race in West Virginia...purely from Southern California. For more of my stories from this outlet, click on the link in the "Neon Tommy" headline.
"Into The BDSM Dungeon: A Community Critical of 'Fifty Shades of Grey'"
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People lined up this weekend for the long-awaited film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey. But the book trilogy, which has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, has spawned more than a wave of interest in BDSM (bondage & discipline, dominance & submission, sadism & masochism). There is also much criticism surrounding the series, in which the story’s protagonist is engaged in an coercive relationship with a man obsessed with BDSM.
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One of the biggest critics of ‘Fifty Shades,’ some might be surprised to learn, is the BDSM community.....
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L.A. Reaction To Ferguson Grand Jury Decision
As the clock ticked down to the grand jury announcement regarding the shooting of Mike Brown, the nation geared itself. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon already declared a state of emergency almost a week ago. NYPD had been monitoring protestors in Union Square all day. Police officers in Philadelphia scanned social media to keep track of planned rallies. Although LAPD announced that it would "facilitate" peaceful protests, Chief Charlie Beck made sure Twitter followers knew "LAPD would not tolerate acts of violence or vandalism....
USC Sends Poor Message To Grieving Family With Botched Memorial Service
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It seemed almost cliche that Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" softly played before Xinran Ji's memorial service on Friday, but it fit the mood as mourners took their seats. As I waited for the service to begin, I looked at a smiling picture of Ji on the stage. He was holding a degree in graduation robes, and it was painfully obvious that he was not at a USC commencement ceremony.
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Though I never knew Ji, or know anyone who knew him, I still attended the memorial for one simple reason...
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Friendship Games Unite Filipino Americans For More Than 30 Years
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Not every college student can bear to be awake at 7 a.m. on a Saturday, but the students of Cal State Fullerton's Pilipino American Student Association (PASA) Kaibigan didn't seem to mind the early hour as they waved streamers and blew noisemakers, clad in tie-dye and beaded necklaces.......
Drum Corps Show Higher Level Of Band Geek
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As the first week of August marked the beginning of the end of summer, thousands of marching band geeks made a pilgrimage to Indianapolis, Indiana. The devout-from old band directors to parents carrying future musical prodigies-gathered in Lucas Oil Stadium to admire their heroes- uniformed performers wielding brass instruments, drums, and colorful flags. Thousands more gathered online to watch the livestream of the performances from home.
For the 43rd year, drum corps from around the nation competed in championships.........
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