Happy Thanksgiving!! I woke up this morning to assist my mother in washing some dishes and stuffing the wonderful bird that we will eat in approximately two hours (can't wait)! Since it's Thanksgiving, I've been spending some quality time with dear Ma painting our toenails and just hanging out. While online I found a wonderfully hilarious article about Thanksgiving day disasters.
In all honesty, I know that someday in the near future it will be my turn to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. To think that I will have to do all the things that mother does with ease is quite a frightening idea. But once you read these horror stories from local Miami chefs it gets a little scarier.
One couple left their turkey out and came back to find that their cat enjoy the bird before they even had a taste. A few others highlight restaurants who have events and sadly end up running out of turkey! What a shame. These hilarious little quotes will bring a smile to all who enjoy them and are a great way to bond on a day when people just spend quality time together. This is exactly what I did with my mother and needless to say we had a great laugh, especially imagining our fat cat eating the turkey.
I think it was a good idea for the Herald to put up a comical story on the main page. With the holidays this year being extremely rough for many people it's nice to have a little laugh. Plus, out there somewhere today, their are people who are having their own Thanksgiving crisis. Good luck to all the cooks, and may everyone enjoy a wonderful day with family and friends. What I love is that even on a holiday people can go online and fine up-to-date stories on things that have happened today. To all the journalists pumping away stories in the middle of spending time with friends thank you. This just proves to the world the dedication journalists have for their craft and that online journalism is truly up to minute and neverending.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Obamas Display Model Relationship
Kathlyn and Gay Hendricks are relationship experts who analyzed the body language of Michelle and Barack Obama by analyzing their body language in interviews and during the campaign. In an article for the Huffington Post the two experts take a look at the how the President Elect and so-to-be First Lady exhibit good relationship qualities.
The main thing that the experts note is how the Obamas truly seem interested in what the other one has to say. This is something that the Hendricks claim has been uncommon with previous presidents and their wives. They even dare people to look at photographs of all the Presidents as far back as Nixon to see what they mean. To think that truly being interested in what your significant other has to say would be such a uncommon phenomenon is quite disheartening for a young woman such as myself. The Hendricks even tell a story where a man asked Gay Hendricks how he acts like he's interested in what his wife has to say. His answer- truly be interested!
Now I applaud Mr. Obama for showing men all over this great nation how to be a wonderful husband and to show to the world that you truly care about your wife. But can this type of attention and affection be acted? The Hendricks say no, and the great part about online journalism is that along with the article they have provided photos of a recent 60 Minutes interviews as well as photos from the campaign which clearly show the type of eye contact and the connection that the new First Family have for one another. It is truly something refreshing to see.
Dave Barry's Holiday Gift Guide
It's sad to say but with the current economic problems many people are not in the holiday mood. Leave it a man to come up with gifts specifically designed for the people who are never in the holiday mood to buy for others.
Dave Barry's Holiday Gift Guide includes a list of outrageous gifts that are sure to make someone never want to buy you a gift again. Barry even analyzes the gift giving techniques of men and women. Where a man will buy a gift because he has a specific occasion, a woman on the other hand will buy something because it's cute. Although I think Dave Barry's assumptions here are a little off I must agree with the another statement that he made: women start behaving in the Holiday mood early, like in July. Now, I didn't start that early, but by August (only a month later) I was already contemplating what I wanted to get people and scoping out the merchandise at stores. I can't help that I need the most time to get this kind of stuff done. I must admit though the gifts on this Holiday Gift Guide are not only sure to shock, but some would be quite humorous to give as gifts. Look at my personal favorites the talking fly swatter, the 'War Hammer' back razor, and the restroom baby-hanger. To think that all these products are actually sold.
I am a newbie to Dave Barry's blog and found it to be quite funny and interesting. This would probably explain why so many people read his blog on a daily basis. What I liked about his blog was not only the humorous quality to his prose but also the fact that I felt like I wasn't reading a blog. The blog post read more like a comical news story or column. I guess when you really think about how online journalism has made print journalism accessible on a computer I would argue that a blog really is just your ordinary news column in digital form. Bravo Dave Barry, you have forced me to learn something new today.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Worst States for Drunken Driving
I decided to explore a some news websites that I've never really had an opportunity to look at. Forbes.com was my site of choice since I have been to the site a few times before when stories they cover end up on Yahoo! I came across an article that was so informative and riveting that the way it was presented wasn't such a huge problem.
Forbes did a story on the worst states for drunk driving related fatalities and the top five alone are a shock. Montana, South Carolina, Mississippi, Wyoming, and Louisiana come in as the worst states in the United States, and the crazy thing is that Wyoming is the least populated state out of all fifty. The article analyzes the reasons for these high numbers in these states which range from rural roads with higher speeds to states being a bridge state that many people travel through. I think the fact that Forbes covered such an important topic says a lot about the type of news this their willing to cover. This is one of those articles that everyone should read in order to be more aware of their own state and the types of drivers on the road. The story also contained a slideshow list of all fifty states along with pictures.
The things I didn't like about the story as it relates to online journalism is that the type was squished onto the left side of the page. Ads and empty space took up more than half of the page which was annoying and an eyesore. Also, the text was separated by links, comments, and related stories. Its distracting when the story is so interesting and engaging and then something interrupts the flow of reading. It's a great article but it could use some work on the layout.
Forbes did a story on the worst states for drunk driving related fatalities and the top five alone are a shock. Montana, South Carolina, Mississippi, Wyoming, and Louisiana come in as the worst states in the United States, and the crazy thing is that Wyoming is the least populated state out of all fifty. The article analyzes the reasons for these high numbers in these states which range from rural roads with higher speeds to states being a bridge state that many people travel through. I think the fact that Forbes covered such an important topic says a lot about the type of news this their willing to cover. This is one of those articles that everyone should read in order to be more aware of their own state and the types of drivers on the road. The story also contained a slideshow list of all fifty states along with pictures.
The things I didn't like about the story as it relates to online journalism is that the type was squished onto the left side of the page. Ads and empty space took up more than half of the page which was annoying and an eyesore. Also, the text was separated by links, comments, and related stories. Its distracting when the story is so interesting and engaging and then something interrupts the flow of reading. It's a great article but it could use some work on the layout.
CNN.com Disappointing
I have never gone to the CNN website and was expecting something as wonderful, colorful, and informative as the television version but unfortunately that is not what I found. I was extremely disappointed that although the site was simple it has some organizational problems.
The first thing I noticed was a list of stories under the title Other News. I can only assume that the list is in order by what CNN finds to be most important because it appears to be a random list of stories. The list is long, cluttered, and most people wouldn't have time to go through the entire list of stories. I want to be able to go to a news website and see the news in a more logical and cohesive way. When I go to a news website and the first thing I see is a list it makes me think that CNN doesn't care enough to present the news to me in a more logical way.
One of the good things that I liked about the website is the fact that there are bold headlines for some oranization of the news. The only problem is that instead of placing this organizational table of the news at the top of the website it is placed at the bottom. The site would be better presented if the bottom half of the homepage was placed at the top. I hope that at some point CNN decides to do some restructuring to their site.
The first thing I noticed was a list of stories under the title Other News. I can only assume that the list is in order by what CNN finds to be most important because it appears to be a random list of stories. The list is long, cluttered, and most people wouldn't have time to go through the entire list of stories. I want to be able to go to a news website and see the news in a more logical and cohesive way. When I go to a news website and the first thing I see is a list it makes me think that CNN doesn't care enough to present the news to me in a more logical way.
One of the good things that I liked about the website is the fact that there are bold headlines for some oranization of the news. The only problem is that instead of placing this organizational table of the news at the top of the website it is placed at the bottom. The site would be better presented if the bottom half of the homepage was placed at the top. I hope that at some point CNN decides to do some restructuring to their site.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Herald Pictures
I enjoy looking at pictures when the day has been long, negative, and you just need something not so horrible to enjoy. I had already fallen in love with Vizcaya Museum and Gardens when I visited the location over a year ago. The beautiful and romantic setting in the middle of Miami made the place one of my favorite locations in Miami-Dade. So clearly, when the Herald posted photos of Vizcaya highlighting the $50 million renovation the grounds are undergoing, I had to take a peak.
I like the Herald's new photo viewer. It keep me on the page with the ability to easily change the the photo show that I'm watching or make the shows full screen. The photos are engaging but the captions are what really annoyed me. Every single photo had the same information about Vizcaya being under construction. Some had another sentence describing the photo in detail while others did not. I don't think it's necessary to constantly remind people that the grounds are undergoing construction eighteen times. It gets a little redundant after the first three pictures.
What I found most interesting about the photo show was the option to purchase the pictures. I was curious to know what a Miami Herald photo was going for and surprisingly they aren't that expensive. You can get a 5x7 unframed for $9.99. That's right, you have the option to get the photo framed. I didn't even know the Miami Herald had a store to buy things from! At the bottom of this page they even give you gift ideas: like placing the photo on a mug or greeting cards. Needless to say, I have truly learned something new about The Miami Herald that I did not know before.
I like the Herald's new photo viewer. It keep me on the page with the ability to easily change the the photo show that I'm watching or make the shows full screen. The photos are engaging but the captions are what really annoyed me. Every single photo had the same information about Vizcaya being under construction. Some had another sentence describing the photo in detail while others did not. I don't think it's necessary to constantly remind people that the grounds are undergoing construction eighteen times. It gets a little redundant after the first three pictures.
What I found most interesting about the photo show was the option to purchase the pictures. I was curious to know what a Miami Herald photo was going for and surprisingly they aren't that expensive. You can get a 5x7 unframed for $9.99. That's right, you have the option to get the photo framed. I didn't even know the Miami Herald had a store to buy things from! At the bottom of this page they even give you gift ideas: like placing the photo on a mug or greeting cards. Needless to say, I have truly learned something new about The Miami Herald that I did not know before.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Blogging Wonderfully Well
An outpouring of people attended the Join the Impact movement and demonstration that took place this past weekend all over the country. Locally, people from South Florida came out to protest the passing of Florida Amendment 2 which defined marriage as the union of only one man and one woman.
Steve Rothaus, who blogs about gay and lesbian issues in South Florida for The Miami Herald, placed photos from the Join the Impact event on his blog. I don't know if I can blog about a blog, seems a little odd, but I'm going to anyway. Rothaus' blog post displays a wonderful way that blogs can be used to give people the news in an interesting and new media way.
The photos from the event are big and colorful but most importantly they really show the atmosphere and feeling in the crowd. The mass outpouring of people and all the support from both the gay and straight communities really displayed that there are people who are willing to speak out against injustices. I truly appreciated the fact that Rothaus didn't only focus on the people who were there to speak out against Amendment 2 but he placed photos of the lone protester who was FOR Amendment 2. I think that by doing this Rothaus was able to show that although he might feel a certain way towards the topics he blogs about he is able to remain objective and give people the news they want straight. I truly enjoyed his posts and the creative ways that he blogs. I think that everyone who is blogging could really learn a thing or two about how to make blogging most useful. Rothaus shows that bloggers can indeed be journalists.
Steve Rothaus, who blogs about gay and lesbian issues in South Florida for The Miami Herald, placed photos from the Join the Impact event on his blog. I don't know if I can blog about a blog, seems a little odd, but I'm going to anyway. Rothaus' blog post displays a wonderful way that blogs can be used to give people the news in an interesting and new media way.
The photos from the event are big and colorful but most importantly they really show the atmosphere and feeling in the crowd. The mass outpouring of people and all the support from both the gay and straight communities really displayed that there are people who are willing to speak out against injustices. I truly appreciated the fact that Rothaus didn't only focus on the people who were there to speak out against Amendment 2 but he placed photos of the lone protester who was FOR Amendment 2. I think that by doing this Rothaus was able to show that although he might feel a certain way towards the topics he blogs about he is able to remain objective and give people the news they want straight. I truly enjoyed his posts and the creative ways that he blogs. I think that everyone who is blogging could really learn a thing or two about how to make blogging most useful. Rothaus shows that bloggers can indeed be journalists.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Metromix Let's You Know What's Happening
Metromix South Florida, as part of the Sun-Sentinel, provides information about what is going on in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and more. Packed with information on entertainment, local restaurants, and events the site allows people to enjoy all that South Florida has to offer without having to search several websites for the information.
What I really enjoyed about the site is the fact that there are several stories that include little blurbs about restaurants. When looking to try out a new place, I want to know something about them and what makes this place unique and different. Pictures of desserts and entrees were even included which naturally helps in the decision making. The event section includes a calendar, which makes it easy for people to find events and things to do on any particular date. One thing that I have noticed is consistent with both the Sun-Sentinel and Metromix South Florida is the availability of photos. Both sites provide a vast number of slideshows from different events all over South Florida.
The Metromix site is easy to navigate but the only major problem I had was the fact that the ads blended in with the actual content. I don't like having to navigate around ads to find the information that I really want to see, but on the other hand it might be helpful to the eye that the ads aren't so incredibly distracting. So either way it's a lose-lose. Besides this ad issue, the website is informative and gives residents and visitors alike the opportunity to truly enjoy all that South Florida has to offer.
What I really enjoyed about the site is the fact that there are several stories that include little blurbs about restaurants. When looking to try out a new place, I want to know something about them and what makes this place unique and different. Pictures of desserts and entrees were even included which naturally helps in the decision making. The event section includes a calendar, which makes it easy for people to find events and things to do on any particular date. One thing that I have noticed is consistent with both the Sun-Sentinel and Metromix South Florida is the availability of photos. Both sites provide a vast number of slideshows from different events all over South Florida.
The Metromix site is easy to navigate but the only major problem I had was the fact that the ads blended in with the actual content. I don't like having to navigate around ads to find the information that I really want to see, but on the other hand it might be helpful to the eye that the ads aren't so incredibly distracting. So either way it's a lose-lose. Besides this ad issue, the website is informative and gives residents and visitors alike the opportunity to truly enjoy all that South Florida has to offer.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Murder at a Broward High School
Fifteen-year-old Amanda Collette was shot at a Broward high school this week and died. The young girl was shot by a fellow classmate who was known to have behavioral problems. The family is now trying to cope with the death of a bright young ballet dancer while parents of students at Dillard High School try to figure out what necessary actions need to be taken next.
I think the Sun Sentinel did a wonderful job in covering this story. There is a wide variety of multimedia that was used and I think that makes the story more accessible for different people. There is a video, an article, and even a poll to find out if people think that metal detectors should be placed in schools. I personally watched the video first since that was the first thing that is at the top of the page and it a press conference that Collette's aunt held speaking out about school violence and remembering her niece. The article I read next and it gave all the background information about the shooting and how the family is dealing with the situation. I felt that the video was a great compliment to the actual article.
There is also a Google map that places a little balloon over all the places in the United States that school shooting have occurred. I felt that this just proved the point that these types of crimes happen all over. The comment section I thought was the worst. I know that media outlet place comments so that people can express their feelings towards the situation but I think that they are not regulated enough. People were blatantly racist and the comments remain up. Other commenters than retaliate towards the people who are being insensitive and begins a vicious cycle of arguing. Overall, I feel the Sun Sentinel did an absolutely wonderful job in covering this story.
I think the Sun Sentinel did a wonderful job in covering this story. There is a wide variety of multimedia that was used and I think that makes the story more accessible for different people. There is a video, an article, and even a poll to find out if people think that metal detectors should be placed in schools. I personally watched the video first since that was the first thing that is at the top of the page and it a press conference that Collette's aunt held speaking out about school violence and remembering her niece. The article I read next and it gave all the background information about the shooting and how the family is dealing with the situation. I felt that the video was a great compliment to the actual article.
There is also a Google map that places a little balloon over all the places in the United States that school shooting have occurred. I felt that this just proved the point that these types of crimes happen all over. The comment section I thought was the worst. I know that media outlet place comments so that people can express their feelings towards the situation but I think that they are not regulated enough. People were blatantly racist and the comments remain up. Other commenters than retaliate towards the people who are being insensitive and begins a vicious cycle of arguing. Overall, I feel the Sun Sentinel did an absolutely wonderful job in covering this story.
James Nachtwey Online
Photojournalism has found a permanent home within online journalism. The internet has allowed such photo based magazines like National Geographic and well-known photographers to have websites. Famed war photographer James Nachtwey has been no exception.
James Nachtwey's website includes riveting images from horrible wars and situations all over the world. The internet has enabled Nachtwey to share these images with everyone all over the world so that people can be aware of the injustices and horrible situations that have occurred.
Online journalism goes beyond just the news media and has extended to even photojournalists who can share the world and the news in a different way. Without this type of media photojournalist would only be able to share their work through books or in publications. The internet has allowed photographers to give people the images that they want in the way they want without having a publication decide what people see. Everyone should witness the work of James Nachtwey to bring awareness to all the things that happen in the world.
James Nachtwey's website includes riveting images from horrible wars and situations all over the world. The internet has enabled Nachtwey to share these images with everyone all over the world so that people can be aware of the injustices and horrible situations that have occurred.
Online journalism goes beyond just the news media and has extended to even photojournalists who can share the world and the news in a different way. Without this type of media photojournalist would only be able to share their work through books or in publications. The internet has allowed photographers to give people the images that they want in the way they want without having a publication decide what people see. Everyone should witness the work of James Nachtwey to bring awareness to all the things that happen in the world.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Inside Obama's Election Night
With the advent of user-generated content that has been able to be shared on the internet people from all over the world can now witness things that at one point could only be found in print. Print media chooses the things that people see in their publications and have space restrictions, but the internet has provided an outlet in which tons of information can be shared.
Flikr, a user-generated site that allows people to share their photography, has a slideshow of pictures from Obama's election night. The photos make the family seem more real and shows images that makes the viewer feel like your there. The slideshow is done extremely well, although some of the pictures display a blur from the movement. There are thumbnails at the bottom that allow individuals to either click through the image or allow the slideshow to play through. This is the way a slideshow should be done. I enjoyed the fact that such images existed and that through a user-generated website a photographer was able to publish the most intimate moments of election night for everyone to enjoy. People wonder what the candidates are thinking and doing while citizens wait at home for the results and now everyone can finally witness the answer for themselves.
Flikr, a user-generated site that allows people to share their photography, has a slideshow of pictures from Obama's election night. The photos make the family seem more real and shows images that makes the viewer feel like your there. The slideshow is done extremely well, although some of the pictures display a blur from the movement. There are thumbnails at the bottom that allow individuals to either click through the image or allow the slideshow to play through. This is the way a slideshow should be done. I enjoyed the fact that such images existed and that through a user-generated website a photographer was able to publish the most intimate moments of election night for everyone to enjoy. People wonder what the candidates are thinking and doing while citizens wait at home for the results and now everyone can finally witness the answer for themselves.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Gay Couples Marry In Connecticut
This is one of those stories that is made for online journalism. The discussion of gay marriage has been one of serious importance following the elections last week. Three states passed laws have banned same-sex marriages but Connecticut's Supreme Court has spoken and they are allowed. Same-sex couples have begun to wed in Connecticut which makes the state second in the United States following in the foot steps of their New England neighbor Massachusetts.
After reading the article I was filled with happiness to know that so many people will now be allowed to experience something so many people take for granted- a marriage, a bound, and everything that entails. I was afraid to look at the comments and was prepared to start reporting people for abuse but the truth was that for the most part people were accepting and the one's who were not remained respectful of the whole situation. Mind you I only few the first page because there is over 1,000 comments about this article and it is so popular that it is on the USA Today homepage. I think it would have been nice to have a video of some the people who will be taking advantage of this new found privilege and to visually see their excitement and happiness. I have come to realize that USA Today doesn't really place many video along with their stories but I must say they do know how to write a heck of a story.
There are some inspirational and touching comments on this story and I suggest everyone take a look. It is truly eye-opening. I have truly grown to love the comments on stories.
After reading the article I was filled with happiness to know that so many people will now be allowed to experience something so many people take for granted- a marriage, a bound, and everything that entails. I was afraid to look at the comments and was prepared to start reporting people for abuse but the truth was that for the most part people were accepting and the one's who were not remained respectful of the whole situation. Mind you I only few the first page because there is over 1,000 comments about this article and it is so popular that it is on the USA Today homepage. I think it would have been nice to have a video of some the people who will be taking advantage of this new found privilege and to visually see their excitement and happiness. I have come to realize that USA Today doesn't really place many video along with their stories but I must say they do know how to write a heck of a story.
There are some inspirational and touching comments on this story and I suggest everyone take a look. It is truly eye-opening. I have truly grown to love the comments on stories.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The New Yorker Online
Seeking a change from the typical new website I typed in the URL NewYorker.com. A pleasant surprise I received as if my whole world had somehow made sense now. I am officially hooked.
The New Yorker has a wide variety of works for people to enjoy ranging from essays and poetry to humor and fiction. Although I couldn't escape a feature about Obama, it was nice to see a website that features different types of literary works that I could dive into and enjoy.
I must say their homepage is classy, sexy, and sophisticated. Bravo, New Yorker! They have defined a people and a place in the best way possible simplicity yet with some serious style. The fonts are different from other sites that I have been on and classy. I don't yawn when I look at the homepage or wonder to myself AH help my eyes... the clutter, the clutter! There is no clutter on this site- it is clean, it is organized and there is plenty of space for my eyes to wander purposefully though the material. The site also utilizes several different types of multimedia. There are blogs, animated cartoon videos, and slideshows. I especially appreciate the Table of Contents link that lists everything that is in the print version so people can also see it online. But this is by no means a shovelware site. There is a link title Online Only that includes a variety of pieces that are not in the print version.
I'm in love. Yea for Online Journalism, now I too can experience the wonderful world of The New Yorker without having to experience the cold weather.
The New Yorker has a wide variety of works for people to enjoy ranging from essays and poetry to humor and fiction. Although I couldn't escape a feature about Obama, it was nice to see a website that features different types of literary works that I could dive into and enjoy.
I must say their homepage is classy, sexy, and sophisticated. Bravo, New Yorker! They have defined a people and a place in the best way possible simplicity yet with some serious style. The fonts are different from other sites that I have been on and classy. I don't yawn when I look at the homepage or wonder to myself AH help my eyes... the clutter, the clutter! There is no clutter on this site- it is clean, it is organized and there is plenty of space for my eyes to wander purposefully though the material. The site also utilizes several different types of multimedia. There are blogs, animated cartoon videos, and slideshows. I especially appreciate the Table of Contents link that lists everything that is in the print version so people can also see it online. But this is by no means a shovelware site. There is a link title Online Only that includes a variety of pieces that are not in the print version.
I'm in love. Yea for Online Journalism, now I too can experience the wonderful world of The New Yorker without having to experience the cold weather.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Al Jazeera on Obama Win
I stumbled across the most interesting segment on the English version of Al Jazeera. It is a special titled "The World After Bush" and it focuses on Obama's win and what this means to Americans, the world, and the United States foreign policy. The one-hour special is Al Jazeera's senior political analyst, Marwan Bishara and four professional looking at the United States and where the country goes from here. The segment is separated into four parts and all of them can be found on the website or on YouTube.
This is one of the unique qualities that online journalism allows. Instead of hearing, seeing, and watching what Americans think about the end of the Bush presidency, now everyone can see what people all over the world feel about it. Being able to watch how people outside of the United States are analyzing the American situation is vitally important in order to know where things need to change. Even more amazing is the special was aired yesterday! Talk about online journalism being immediate.
I have included Part Two of the special because I felt it really said something about what the world thinks of the United States. It also includes reaction from people all over the world to Obama's win and an embarrassing piece of Bush's wonderful moments as President. This was truly an eye-opening special. I highly suggest everyone check out at least the first two parts.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Sick of the Election Quiz
Splashed across homepages of news websites in the Unites States and across the pond has been the declaration of Barack Obama as the winner of the election. BBC was no exception, but they did have one thing that I have yet to see on any other homepage: a quiz titled The not-really-the-election quiz.
The quiz is interesting, but the outcome of the quiz is shocking. Swarmed with information about the election by the U.S. media it's amazing what else has happened in the world that many people just don't know about. I am a typical busy American college student who was oblivious to many things (so sad to admit) that were asked in the quiz. I love that online journalism has provided this type of multimedia to be available for people to enjoy. It let me know that I need to get with it and start seeking out more world news.
The irony of the quiz is that it is on the BBC. If the United Kingdom is sick of the election then what does that say about some people at home? Is anyone sick of all the election information yet or are we just so engrossed about what is going on at home that we can't possibly fathom knowing the holidays or Prime Ministers elected in other countries. I think it's time the online world utilize some space for more than information about Obama (even though this is all super exciting) and give me some more news news on the homepages.
The quiz is interesting, but the outcome of the quiz is shocking. Swarmed with information about the election by the U.S. media it's amazing what else has happened in the world that many people just don't know about. I am a typical busy American college student who was oblivious to many things (so sad to admit) that were asked in the quiz. I love that online journalism has provided this type of multimedia to be available for people to enjoy. It let me know that I need to get with it and start seeking out more world news.
The irony of the quiz is that it is on the BBC. If the United Kingdom is sick of the election then what does that say about some people at home? Is anyone sick of all the election information yet or are we just so engrossed about what is going on at home that we can't possibly fathom knowing the holidays or Prime Ministers elected in other countries. I think it's time the online world utilize some space for more than information about Obama (even though this is all super exciting) and give me some more news news on the homepages.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
OBAMA WINS!!!
BARACK OBAMA HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
The American people have spoken and history has been made, the first African-American president will take over the White House on January, 20 2009. Media outlets have been buzzing and naturally the online world of journalism is definitely interesting to inspect.
Many of the online news websites have what would be referred to as the "oh shit" layout. Big and prominent on the homepages of Yahoo!, The Miami Herald, The New York Times, and The Tampa Tribune is the declaration of the winner of this election. The layouts are wonderful and appropriate for this type of event. This election has brought a huge turnout in polls, a huge win in the electoral college and a time for change for the United States of America. Even website like MTV news. com have made sure to notify people that Barack Obama has won. It's amazing how immediate online journalism website can inform people of the news and that they are able to compile stories, images, and prominent layouts.
First words spoken by the President Elect, "Hello, Chicago!"
The American people have spoken and history has been made, the first African-American president will take over the White House on January, 20 2009. Media outlets have been buzzing and naturally the online world of journalism is definitely interesting to inspect.
Many of the online news websites have what would be referred to as the "oh shit" layout. Big and prominent on the homepages of Yahoo!, The Miami Herald, The New York Times, and The Tampa Tribune is the declaration of the winner of this election. The layouts are wonderful and appropriate for this type of event. This election has brought a huge turnout in polls, a huge win in the electoral college and a time for change for the United States of America. Even website like MTV news. com have made sure to notify people that Barack Obama has won. It's amazing how immediate online journalism website can inform people of the news and that they are able to compile stories, images, and prominent layouts.
First words spoken by the President Elect, "Hello, Chicago!"
Monday, November 3, 2008
Rapist Caught by Public Sighting
The Miami Herald reported that in a wonderfully bizarre twist of fate, a teenager spotted the man who raped her two years ago and reported him to the police. The 17-year-old spotted the man as she rode past a Burger King parking lot on a bus. By the second time the bus passed that fast food restaurant she was sure he was her attacker.
This is an absolutely crazy story. Thia poor girl would have never received justice had she not somehow managed to spot him out in public. The man, Avery Tolbert, would of had a different case if the police hadn't found a rag in his car with the victim's DNA on it. Tolbert is also speculated to have been responsible for two more rapes that took place within days of this one back in 2006.
The Herald allowed people to comment on the story and the things that people have said are unbelieveable. Two commenters compared the rapist to Obama supporters- what a hateful thing to say. Are people truly so consumed by the election that they can't even read a story about justice finally being served without creating a tie to the election? We'll see how long it takes for The Herald to remove the comments.
On a wonderful note, at least these girls will finally be able to know that the horrible crime that occurred to them will finally be brought before a judge and a jury.
Update: The Miami Herald never removed the hateful comments I reported about. This is truly disheartening. I can't possible understand why they wouldn't remove them.
This is an absolutely crazy story. Thia poor girl would have never received justice had she not somehow managed to spot him out in public. The man, Avery Tolbert, would of had a different case if the police hadn't found a rag in his car with the victim's DNA on it. Tolbert is also speculated to have been responsible for two more rapes that took place within days of this one back in 2006.
The Herald allowed people to comment on the story and the things that people have said are unbelieveable. Two commenters compared the rapist to Obama supporters- what a hateful thing to say. Are people truly so consumed by the election that they can't even read a story about justice finally being served without creating a tie to the election? We'll see how long it takes for The Herald to remove the comments.
On a wonderful note, at least these girls will finally be able to know that the horrible crime that occurred to them will finally be brought before a judge and a jury.
Update: The Miami Herald never removed the hateful comments I reported about. This is truly disheartening. I can't possible understand why they wouldn't remove them.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Banning Books in Libraries/Schools
Books assist people in experiencing all things outside of what they are accustomed. But when some books push the limits or discuss a topic that is deemed controversial, individuals want the books banned.
A USA Today story covered the types and amount of requests that schools and libraries receive from people in communities to ban books. Such classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Why the Caged Bird Sings have been requested to be removed. Reasons include inappropriate, sexual content, racism, language and more. The most common reason has been sexual content.
The story included text about the banning of books, along with a creative photo of a pile of books that have been banned. By placing a comment section on this story individuals are able to gauge if certain books are truly found to be inappropriate by the public.
Books in libraries are optional. Books in schools are chosen for a particular reason and most of the time it is because they help students understand certain aspects of life. If a book is such a huge problem for parents then maybe they need to allow their children to read the book and then discuss the topics that the find disagreeable. They could use these books as they were meant to be used- as a learning mechanism.
USA Today did a wonderful job in presenting this story. Underneath the article they placed a list of all the books that have been requested to be banned since 2003, the location, the outcome, and the reasons. Going through this list said a lot about how people feel in particular geographical locations as well as the types of works that people feel are too important to society to be banned.
A USA Today story covered the types and amount of requests that schools and libraries receive from people in communities to ban books. Such classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Why the Caged Bird Sings have been requested to be removed. Reasons include inappropriate, sexual content, racism, language and more. The most common reason has been sexual content.
The story included text about the banning of books, along with a creative photo of a pile of books that have been banned. By placing a comment section on this story individuals are able to gauge if certain books are truly found to be inappropriate by the public.
Books in libraries are optional. Books in schools are chosen for a particular reason and most of the time it is because they help students understand certain aspects of life. If a book is such a huge problem for parents then maybe they need to allow their children to read the book and then discuss the topics that the find disagreeable. They could use these books as they were meant to be used- as a learning mechanism.
USA Today did a wonderful job in presenting this story. Underneath the article they placed a list of all the books that have been requested to be banned since 2003, the location, the outcome, and the reasons. Going through this list said a lot about how people feel in particular geographical locations as well as the types of works that people feel are too important to society to be banned.
Child Shot on Halloween
Kids love Halloween- the excitement of dressing up, pretending to be someone else, and knocking on doors for candy. This is the normal occurrence for children every October 31st in America. It's a sad sad thing when a child can not even enjoy the thrill of trick-or-treating.
USA Today covered a story about a 12-year-old South Carolina boy who was shot trick-or-treating. The young boy along with his other siblings and father were shot at through a door after knocking. The resident of the home Quentin Patrick shot through the door with an AK-47 claiming that he thought he was being robbed again. The man is an ex-convict who has been robbed in the past. The 12-year-old boy was killed and two others injured.
I am happy that USA Today covered this story. It is an appropriate occurrence to cover following the Halloween holiday. Parents need to be aware that escorting their children trick-or-treating and going in areas that are familiar are vitally important. Possibly even thinking twice about knocking on a door where you don't know the residents is a good idea. The article included a picture of the crime scene and a comment section where people have expressed their feelings about gun controls, the election, and extending their condolences to the families. The right components were pieced together to allow this story to serve it's purpose in informing the public and allowing people to learn from this sad situation. USA Today did a wonderful job in their presentation of this story.
Halloween is a holiday for children, people stop ruining it!
USA Today covered a story about a 12-year-old South Carolina boy who was shot trick-or-treating. The young boy along with his other siblings and father were shot at through a door after knocking. The resident of the home Quentin Patrick shot through the door with an AK-47 claiming that he thought he was being robbed again. The man is an ex-convict who has been robbed in the past. The 12-year-old boy was killed and two others injured.
I am happy that USA Today covered this story. It is an appropriate occurrence to cover following the Halloween holiday. Parents need to be aware that escorting their children trick-or-treating and going in areas that are familiar are vitally important. Possibly even thinking twice about knocking on a door where you don't know the residents is a good idea. The article included a picture of the crime scene and a comment section where people have expressed their feelings about gun controls, the election, and extending their condolences to the families. The right components were pieced together to allow this story to serve it's purpose in informing the public and allowing people to learn from this sad situation. USA Today did a wonderful job in their presentation of this story.
Halloween is a holiday for children, people stop ruining it!
USA Today Follow-up on Yemeni Bombings
On September 18th I followed the progress of a USA Today breaking news story about the United States embassy assault in Yemen. On the homepage of USA Today today was a follow-up story highlighting the information that has surfaced within the past month and a half about the people who were responsible for the attack.
The follow-up story stated that the six men who performed the attack were trained in an al-Qaeda camp in Yemen. Yemen has been an ally of the United States in the war on terrorism. The United Nations has increased security levels in the country because of the continuous terrorist attacks Yemen has experienced. The assault was the worst attack on a U.S. embassy in a decade.
The original story was mainly comprised of text and included one picture. This follow-up story was solely comprised of text. The ways in which USA Today chose to present these stories was appropriate. They were from out of the country and people mainly just need the hard news straight. It might have been a good idea to include some before and after photos of the embassy but for the most part the text was just fine. Hard news stories like this one I have found are more effective by just by allowing the reader to read the information.
The follow-up story stated that the six men who performed the attack were trained in an al-Qaeda camp in Yemen. Yemen has been an ally of the United States in the war on terrorism. The United Nations has increased security levels in the country because of the continuous terrorist attacks Yemen has experienced. The assault was the worst attack on a U.S. embassy in a decade.
The original story was mainly comprised of text and included one picture. This follow-up story was solely comprised of text. The ways in which USA Today chose to present these stories was appropriate. They were from out of the country and people mainly just need the hard news straight. It might have been a good idea to include some before and after photos of the embassy but for the most part the text was just fine. Hard news stories like this one I have found are more effective by just by allowing the reader to read the information.
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