With Election rapidly approaching and Halloween creeping up in a few hours many people have begun to combine the two occasions in quite disturbing ways. Effigies of Palin and Obama have sprung in several locations causing quite a stir. Most of the effigies were of the candidates hanging and one was of a doll with a knife in the neck. The effigies have naturally started conversations about racism after some people with the effigies began being prosecuted or disciplined for the action.
No action was taken towards the man who hung the Palin effigy from his roof but legal actions were taken towards one University of Kentucky student and another man hung an Obama effigy from a tree on the campus. Do both deserve to be prosecuted, only one, or neither? I think that all the effigies should be forced to be taken down. They promote negativity and are in no way funny or amusing when it clearly is something that promotes violence.
I think that this was an article that belonged to be on the homepage of USA Today. People need to be aware of the things that are going on so that discussions about racism, hate, and violence can be addressed. USA Today was smart in making sure that they placed a comment section on this story since it is obviously on a topic that people want to discuss. I think the packaging of the story would have been better if there were pictures of the effigies so that individuals could analyze them and the context in which they were displayed. A video interviewing viewers of the effigies and the individuals who displayed them might also have been helpful.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
USA Today on High Airline Prices
On the USA Today homepage today is an article about airline tickets for domestic flights being outrageously expensive, such as $1000 to fly to places like New York and Connecticut for the holidays.
The story features quotes from people about the higher prices and whether or not they would be willing to pay this amount for domestic flights. The story is chunked which makes it convenient for readers because they can easily read the section title to know if they would be interested in knowing more information. I was happy to see the story on the homepage because with the holiday season quickly approaching people will be buying airline tickets and it is important for them to know what to expect.
Nonethless, there were a few things I felt the story was lacking. Because so many people travel during the months of November and December, I thought that it would have been interesting to have video of people's reactions to the soaring prices. The video could have men and women explaining if they would pay $10o00 to fly during the holidays and if the higher prices would impact their holiday plans. A poll would have also been appropriate to gauge how the public is looking at the situation. Simply being able to analyze if individuals would pay $1000 to fly domestically would have been interesting.
It is ridiculous to think that in order to spend the holidays with family in the United States you now have to pay just as much as you would if you were to go out of the country.
The story features quotes from people about the higher prices and whether or not they would be willing to pay this amount for domestic flights. The story is chunked which makes it convenient for readers because they can easily read the section title to know if they would be interested in knowing more information. I was happy to see the story on the homepage because with the holiday season quickly approaching people will be buying airline tickets and it is important for them to know what to expect.
Nonethless, there were a few things I felt the story was lacking. Because so many people travel during the months of November and December, I thought that it would have been interesting to have video of people's reactions to the soaring prices. The video could have men and women explaining if they would pay $10o00 to fly during the holidays and if the higher prices would impact their holiday plans. A poll would have also been appropriate to gauge how the public is looking at the situation. Simply being able to analyze if individuals would pay $1000 to fly domestically would have been interesting.
It is ridiculous to think that in order to spend the holidays with family in the United States you now have to pay just as much as you would if you were to go out of the country.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Plot to Assassinate Obama
To think that racism is still prevalent in America and that people would want to kill over race is a sad thought. This was nonetheless the type of situations that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama must face.
An article on the Arizona news site AZ Central reported that two skinheads plotted to assassinate Obama and about a hundred African Americans. The two young men, one 18 and the other 20, were discovered and arrested by the ATF. They were charged with threatening a candidate for president and a few other gun-related charges.
Not only was it a total shock to see this story on the news site, I almost didn't believe it! I was on USA Today and The New York Times and the story was not as apparent and big as on AZ Central. USA Today had the story small and towards the bottom of the homepage and The New York Times didn't have the story at all! The Miami Herald was another site that I checked and was happy to see they had updated their homepage and placed this story big. I think this is a story that is so important for people to know and read in order for them to be informed about what types of people still live in America. I am blown away by the fact that some news sites don't even have the story.
AZCentral.com was definitely on point by making sure that this story had a prime location on their website. Now I know where to get important news right away.
An article on the Arizona news site AZ Central reported that two skinheads plotted to assassinate Obama and about a hundred African Americans. The two young men, one 18 and the other 20, were discovered and arrested by the ATF. They were charged with threatening a candidate for president and a few other gun-related charges.
Not only was it a total shock to see this story on the news site, I almost didn't believe it! I was on USA Today and The New York Times and the story was not as apparent and big as on AZ Central. USA Today had the story small and towards the bottom of the homepage and The New York Times didn't have the story at all! The Miami Herald was another site that I checked and was happy to see they had updated their homepage and placed this story big. I think this is a story that is so important for people to know and read in order for them to be informed about what types of people still live in America. I am blown away by the fact that some news sites don't even have the story.
AZCentral.com was definitely on point by making sure that this story had a prime location on their website. Now I know where to get important news right away.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Altering Photos Bad, Bad, Bad
With technology continuing to advance the things that journalists are able to do, such as altering photos, has become a problem that many publications have had to deal with.
In 2003, the Los Angeles Times placed a photo of a British soldier ordering an Iraqi father to take cover. The gesture of the soldier and the protective stance of the father made for a great photo. A reader of the newspaper noticed that some people in the background of the photo appeared more than once. Photographer Brian Walski had indeed combined two photographs in order to create a stronger composition.
When looking at the photo closely, it is not immediately obvious that any altering was done, until you inspect the background. Walski was fired from the Los Angeles Times because altering photos is prohibited in the newspaper's policy. But even though this man lost his job because of the alterations does this mean that everyone should be penalized for doing the same?
Although such programs as Adobe Photoshop have given journalists the tools to create things in a photo that weren't originally there this doesn't mean that it should be allowed. The photo was misleading to all the people who picked up the paper that day. The image never really happened in the way that it was portrayed and altering photos to this degree is not something that journalists should ever do. People need to realize the severity of creating such a misleading image and that doing so usually results in consequences.
In 2003, the Los Angeles Times placed a photo of a British soldier ordering an Iraqi father to take cover. The gesture of the soldier and the protective stance of the father made for a great photo. A reader of the newspaper noticed that some people in the background of the photo appeared more than once. Photographer Brian Walski had indeed combined two photographs in order to create a stronger composition.
When looking at the photo closely, it is not immediately obvious that any altering was done, until you inspect the background. Walski was fired from the Los Angeles Times because altering photos is prohibited in the newspaper's policy. But even though this man lost his job because of the alterations does this mean that everyone should be penalized for doing the same?
Although such programs as Adobe Photoshop have given journalists the tools to create things in a photo that weren't originally there this doesn't mean that it should be allowed. The photo was misleading to all the people who picked up the paper that day. The image never really happened in the way that it was portrayed and altering photos to this degree is not something that journalists should ever do. People need to realize the severity of creating such a misleading image and that doing so usually results in consequences.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Honey, We Are in a Recession
Regardless of what the government would like citizens to believe- Honey, we are in a recession!
A recent Good Morning America telecast which featured a map of the United States and the exact locations where the impact of the failing economy has been the worst provided some important information about the current state of the economy. The horrible outcome of the reporters research- 27 states are in a recession and five more on their way. Compare these numbers to six months ago where only five states were in a recession. This video clip is probably one of the most important things for individuals to watch because it displays in nice big bright colors the big white elephant in the room that so many people seem to be ignoring. Recession!
The telecast goes on the explain how long the recession could possibly last in an effort to prepare people. The good case would be June 2009 and the bad case- June 2010! People get prepared because it's just going to get worse before it gets any better. The Good Morning America reporter also stated that the employment rate would most likely increase before anything gives.
Ironically, some states are nowhere near a recession. These states include Texas and Alaska (oil of course) and the states such as Montana where an increase in food cost has benefited them. Go figure!
A recent Good Morning America telecast which featured a map of the United States and the exact locations where the impact of the failing economy has been the worst provided some important information about the current state of the economy. The horrible outcome of the reporters research- 27 states are in a recession and five more on their way. Compare these numbers to six months ago where only five states were in a recession. This video clip is probably one of the most important things for individuals to watch because it displays in nice big bright colors the big white elephant in the room that so many people seem to be ignoring. Recession!
The telecast goes on the explain how long the recession could possibly last in an effort to prepare people. The good case would be June 2009 and the bad case- June 2010! People get prepared because it's just going to get worse before it gets any better. The Good Morning America reporter also stated that the employment rate would most likely increase before anything gives.
Ironically, some states are nowhere near a recession. These states include Texas and Alaska (oil of course) and the states such as Montana where an increase in food cost has benefited them. Go figure!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
"Walk A Mile In Her Shoes"
SignonSanDiego.com is an interesting website that features regular news stories and multimedia but also allows people to post their own work. Browsing around the site there was a video that although it wasn't amazingly edited or very professional it was nonetheless wonderful to watch.
The YWCA of San Diego County held an event called "Walk A Mile In Her Shoes" where men participated in a mile-walk wearing women's high heels to raise money and awareness about domestic violence. The video includes fun anecdotes from participants, many who wore socks with the high heels to avoid getting blisters.
The video was interesting because it presented an unique event that took place and gave people insight into what it was like to be there. This was definitely a story that was perfect for video because people definitely enjoy the sight of grown men struggling to walk in women's heels. The video also brings awareness about domestic violence that the YWCA representative said increases during times of economic struggles. What an awesome event!
The YWCA of San Diego County held an event called "Walk A Mile In Her Shoes" where men participated in a mile-walk wearing women's high heels to raise money and awareness about domestic violence. The video includes fun anecdotes from participants, many who wore socks with the high heels to avoid getting blisters.
The video was interesting because it presented an unique event that took place and gave people insight into what it was like to be there. This was definitely a story that was perfect for video because people definitely enjoy the sight of grown men struggling to walk in women's heels. The video also brings awareness about domestic violence that the YWCA representative said increases during times of economic struggles. What an awesome event!
Saying Anti-American Could Cost Election Win
Minnesota Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann is wishing she wouldn't have opened her mouth after comments she made on MSNBC's Hardball caused quite a stir.
The congresswoman's ordeal made it to the homepage of YAHOO! with the headline "Congressswoman regrets Anti-American Remark." As she should. The congresswoman made an appearance on Hardball without ever watching the show. When asked if she felt that Barack Obama held Anti-American views, she replied yes and that it is something that concerns her. Her comments have caused such a commotion that it could impact her re-election. Naturally, she has taken the comments back.
It's crazy to think there are people in high positions in government who have never learned to do their research. The blame game is also being used and the article makes this point extremely clear. However, should an apology and retaction be in order for someone who answered a question immediately and obviously honestly? The apology is needed to salvage any reputation that she has left; nonetheless, will anyone really believe her? Um, probably not.
In looking at the article from strictly an Online Journalism perspective it is pretty interesting. Since the article was on YAHOO! News there is this feature that will either be looked at as annoying or just weird and new. The first few paragraphs are displayed but then there is a button that has to be pushed if you want to continue reading the article. The feature is convenient for people who just want to get the highlights of the story and then continue on to other ones that are listed down at the bottom but for those who actually want all the information, having to click the button is quite annoying. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Watch Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann on Hardball
The congresswoman's ordeal made it to the homepage of YAHOO! with the headline "Congressswoman regrets Anti-American Remark." As she should. The congresswoman made an appearance on Hardball without ever watching the show. When asked if she felt that Barack Obama held Anti-American views, she replied yes and that it is something that concerns her. Her comments have caused such a commotion that it could impact her re-election. Naturally, she has taken the comments back.
It's crazy to think there are people in high positions in government who have never learned to do their research. The blame game is also being used and the article makes this point extremely clear. However, should an apology and retaction be in order for someone who answered a question immediately and obviously honestly? The apology is needed to salvage any reputation that she has left; nonetheless, will anyone really believe her? Um, probably not.
In looking at the article from strictly an Online Journalism perspective it is pretty interesting. Since the article was on YAHOO! News there is this feature that will either be looked at as annoying or just weird and new. The first few paragraphs are displayed but then there is a button that has to be pushed if you want to continue reading the article. The feature is convenient for people who just want to get the highlights of the story and then continue on to other ones that are listed down at the bottom but for those who actually want all the information, having to click the button is quite annoying. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Watch Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann on Hardball
Monday, October 20, 2008
Let the Voting Begin
Super excited about voting, I was happy to see nice and big in the middle of The Miami Hearld homepage a story about the first day of early voting.
Filled with long lines and some technical difficulties people have begun to make their mark in Election 2008. The lengthy wait times and the turnout on just the first day of early voting proves that people are excited to vote but also that they realize the importance of this election.
I applaud The Miami Herald for writing this story because it gives people the heads up. Hey, if it was this busy on the first day of early voting can you imagine the amount of people on Novermber 4th? My only problem with the story was the length and the amount of little quotes that were used. It isn't necessary to have so many people comment on the how long the lines were and that they didn't expect this kind of turnout. Also, the picture wasn't showing up next to the article. Despite the minor problems, this article will definitely serve its purpose and allow Miami-Dade residents to know that people are out and voting and maybe they should make it a point to make the time and do the same or risk standing in lines for hours on Election Day.
Filled with long lines and some technical difficulties people have begun to make their mark in Election 2008. The lengthy wait times and the turnout on just the first day of early voting proves that people are excited to vote but also that they realize the importance of this election.
I applaud The Miami Herald for writing this story because it gives people the heads up. Hey, if it was this busy on the first day of early voting can you imagine the amount of people on Novermber 4th? My only problem with the story was the length and the amount of little quotes that were used. It isn't necessary to have so many people comment on the how long the lines were and that they didn't expect this kind of turnout. Also, the picture wasn't showing up next to the article. Despite the minor problems, this article will definitely serve its purpose and allow Miami-Dade residents to know that people are out and voting and maybe they should make it a point to make the time and do the same or risk standing in lines for hours on Election Day.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Little Becomes Big
National Geographic has announced their Best Microscopic Images of 2008. The photos include all the wonderfully small things in life, such as algae and pieces of plants, that the human eye would never be able to see. The greatest thing is that photography and science have been able to connect and bring to people ALL the bits and pieces that make up the things of the world.
National Geographic has placed all the images in a neat little slideshow with captions that explain what the colorful and intricate photos contain. The magazine, through their use of Online Journalism, has been able to bring to people's attention the importance of science in everyone's day to day lives. Although some of the components of the photos were dyed to give the most detail, the ability for chemists and other scientist to take such photos speaks to the ways that technology and journalism have combined to bring out the best and not so noticeable piece of our world.
National Geographic has placed all the images in a neat little slideshow with captions that explain what the colorful and intricate photos contain. The magazine, through their use of Online Journalism, has been able to bring to people's attention the importance of science in everyone's day to day lives. Although some of the components of the photos were dyed to give the most detail, the ability for chemists and other scientist to take such photos speaks to the ways that technology and journalism have combined to bring out the best and not so noticeable piece of our world.
Eased Foreign Journalist Restrictions in China
China, known as the recent host of the Olympics, is also wonderfully labeled as a communist nation. However, the country recently made an exciting and surprising announcement that the eased restrictions that were implemented to allow foreign journalists to cover the Olympics would become permanent!
This news is such a wonderful success for journalists who want to cover anything happening in the country. The new eased regulations allows foreign journalists to interview and travel the country without needing permission. Although some areas of the country, such as Tibet, are still off limits, this is a huge stride in the right direction for the country who is notoriously known as having strict regulations on their press.
The unfortunate part of the story is that the lessened regulations do not impact the still government controlled domestic press in China.
This story had such importance that for two days it has had a permanent spot on the top headlines on the USA Today homepage. Congrats journalists of the world... this is a win for us all.
This news is such a wonderful success for journalists who want to cover anything happening in the country. The new eased regulations allows foreign journalists to interview and travel the country without needing permission. Although some areas of the country, such as Tibet, are still off limits, this is a huge stride in the right direction for the country who is notoriously known as having strict regulations on their press.
The unfortunate part of the story is that the lessened regulations do not impact the still government controlled domestic press in China.
This story had such importance that for two days it has had a permanent spot on the top headlines on the USA Today homepage. Congrats journalists of the world... this is a win for us all.
Monday, October 13, 2008
College Students Impacted by Failing Economy
College students generally live in a bubble that protects them from all the mess of the outside world. Surrounded by an academic environment, classes, and internships many students enjoy the luxury of doing their work and then tanning by the pool or sleeping the day away. This is definitely not the case for all.
Standing in the omelet line in the dining hall, a male senior became outraged by the bleak picture displayed on the cover of The New York Times. "I'm never going to find a job," he declared and slapped the newspaper. Despite people worrying about employment opportunities, the staggering economy has forced many college students to seek out necessary help.
A recent article on Time.com followed the story of one college student in Michigan who has had to resort to getting food at a food bank. This has also been the case with other food banks that are located in areas near Universities. Undergrads that have been heading to food banks to accommodate for the ever escalating food prices have increased dramatically over the past year. It is not a secret that most college students have no money, but the fact that they can't even afford to buy groceries on top of paying the usual bills is sad proof that the economy is indeed in need of some serious help.
Standing in the omelet line in the dining hall, a male senior became outraged by the bleak picture displayed on the cover of The New York Times. "I'm never going to find a job," he declared and slapped the newspaper. Despite people worrying about employment opportunities, the staggering economy has forced many college students to seek out necessary help.
A recent article on Time.com followed the story of one college student in Michigan who has had to resort to getting food at a food bank. This has also been the case with other food banks that are located in areas near Universities. Undergrads that have been heading to food banks to accommodate for the ever escalating food prices have increased dramatically over the past year. It is not a secret that most college students have no money, but the fact that they can't even afford to buy groceries on top of paying the usual bills is sad proof that the economy is indeed in need of some serious help.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Economic Crisis Solved?
After Congress approved a $700 billion bail-out plan the President has decided to pump the money into the nation's banks.
U.S. Tourist in Space
Richard Garriot, a business tycoon from
School Back in Session
Iraqi children returned to school after some families fled the country. This is a test of safety in the country the New York Times reported.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Losing Hispanics
Republican John McCain is losing the Hispanic vote after several polls show a significant amount supporting Obama, The Miami Herald reported.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Twittering a Blog
My next five entries will all be in twitter-style meaning less than 140 characters. (FYI: this is really hard!)
A Wisconsin town is basing their presidential votes
Monday, October 6, 2008
Chunking and Linking
When writing articles for the internet, journalists have a variety of ways to choose from and many components they can utilize. An article about the Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) that was assigned as a reading stuck out as a prime example of using the chunking method of writing and of using way too many links.
The article separates information about CSS into sections so that if there is a specific topic that the reader is in interested in they can click the link and be taken to that place in the article. Sounds good, but the only problem is that every main component is a link and then when you click the link to go lets say to the examples of CSS all of them are links too. The chunking makes sense but instead of making everything a link why not place some of the information within the actual article. For example, the examples of different types of CSS layout techniques would be placed better underneath the title instead of a person having to be redirected from the page six different times.The article is informative and shows a good way of using the chunking method as long as the reader can get past the unusually bright links (yellow, orange, and red).
The really nice thing about the article is that the author allows people to use any of the examples given on the page. For a journalist to realize that in order for others to learn information it has to be shared is important and definitely makes people want to go back and visit that site again. Everyone will just have to take the good with the bad.
The article separates information about CSS into sections so that if there is a specific topic that the reader is in interested in they can click the link and be taken to that place in the article. Sounds good, but the only problem is that every main component is a link and then when you click the link to go lets say to the examples of CSS all of them are links too. The chunking makes sense but instead of making everything a link why not place some of the information within the actual article. For example, the examples of different types of CSS layout techniques would be placed better underneath the title instead of a person having to be redirected from the page six different times.The article is informative and shows a good way of using the chunking method as long as the reader can get past the unusually bright links (yellow, orange, and red).
The really nice thing about the article is that the author allows people to use any of the examples given on the page. For a journalist to realize that in order for others to learn information it has to be shared is important and definitely makes people want to go back and visit that site again. Everyone will just have to take the good with the bad.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
World Peace in a Photo
Sometimes the power that a picture carries gives more than words could ever translate.
Flickr.com is a wonderful site that allows people to create a profile and display their own works of photography. The images cover every aspect of life, range from portraits to absolutely fabulous works of art and everything in between.
One of the photos on the site is by a woman named Anaely who took a photo representing World Peace. The photo displays a woman reaching for a bird that is flying away from her. The bird is a representation of world peace. Can this woman catch peace or is world peace slowly moving away from us? The world is in a somewhat chaotic place right now and the photo translates this concept well.
Flickr enables photographers to display their views of the world and to get people thinking. The wonderful online world has allowed for such a site to touch thousands upon thousands everyday who are able to experience the power of photography.
Enjoy the world through your eyes and others.
Farting=Battery
What is newsworthy? This is a question that many have pondered especially with some the things that are covered online. Online Journalism has allowed all types of news to be covered because it allows for numerous sites to be created that can focus on everything from weird news to national and world news.
A story on Allweirdnews.com will truly bring a giggle and a shock to all who read it but it will also give people some good advice. A man in West Virginia was charged with battery on a police officer when officers said he passed gas and then fanned it toward them. (Okay now take a moment, think about this, and now just laugh). The man was pulled over for driving with no headlights and failed three sobriety tests. While he sat in a chair at the station was when the gas in question was passed.
The idea that a police officer could actually claim that passing gas on someone is considered battery is a little outrageous. Granted, it's rude, gross, disgusting, and smelly but does this constitute battery? Either way a lesson can be learned from this weird and outrageous news, next time your around a police officer just hold all bodily functions to yourself and then that's one less charge anyone will have to worry about. (LOL!)
A story on Allweirdnews.com will truly bring a giggle and a shock to all who read it but it will also give people some good advice. A man in West Virginia was charged with battery on a police officer when officers said he passed gas and then fanned it toward them. (Okay now take a moment, think about this, and now just laugh). The man was pulled over for driving with no headlights and failed three sobriety tests. While he sat in a chair at the station was when the gas in question was passed.
The idea that a police officer could actually claim that passing gas on someone is considered battery is a little outrageous. Granted, it's rude, gross, disgusting, and smelly but does this constitute battery? Either way a lesson can be learned from this weird and outrageous news, next time your around a police officer just hold all bodily functions to yourself and then that's one less charge anyone will have to worry about. (LOL!)
Pyramid-Style Rules
The USA Today homepage is filled with the top stories of the moment. Upon reading these stories which cover a variety of topics one similarity occurs- the use of the inverted pyramid style of writing.
The inverted pyramid is a style of writing where the most important details are placed at the beginning of the story and the least important details at the end. Newspapers have been using this style of writing for years and the trend has continued in the Online Journalism world. The style works well because it is familiar to readers and gives them the most pertinent information right away.
An article about the O.J. Simpson conviction is a prime example of the inverted pyramid. The story begins by explaining the most recent information about O.J. Simpson and his convictions of felony kidnapping, conspiracy, and armed robbery. The story continues by detailing the highlights of the trial and then giving information about Simpson's past legal issues. The difference between this story and one that could be read in the newspaper is the use of multimedia.
Not only does this story give the reader all the information in order of importance but it offers links for more information about topics that relate to this story. The best use of multimedia for this story especially is the comment section. People are able to let loose and comment about a man many seem to think should of been behind bars years ago a while other comments are just plain ridiculous.
The inverted pyramid is a style of writing where the most important details are placed at the beginning of the story and the least important details at the end. Newspapers have been using this style of writing for years and the trend has continued in the Online Journalism world. The style works well because it is familiar to readers and gives them the most pertinent information right away.
An article about the O.J. Simpson conviction is a prime example of the inverted pyramid. The story begins by explaining the most recent information about O.J. Simpson and his convictions of felony kidnapping, conspiracy, and armed robbery. The story continues by detailing the highlights of the trial and then giving information about Simpson's past legal issues. The difference between this story and one that could be read in the newspaper is the use of multimedia.
Not only does this story give the reader all the information in order of importance but it offers links for more information about topics that relate to this story. The best use of multimedia for this story especially is the comment section. People are able to let loose and comment about a man many seem to think should of been behind bars years ago a while other comments are just plain ridiculous.
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