Wednesday, October 22, 2008

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.



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 Texas, took off on a Russian rocket into space for a ten day trip. The cost- $35 million!