My Final Post

This will be my final post of the semester.

I've learned quite a lot about online journalism and Web 2.0 in the last few months. Much more than I expected to. Even though our class sessions often ran late, well into the night, I think it was well worth it.

There were two things I liked most about the course. The first was that I developed a deeper understanding of why the Internet is so powerful, especially the news aspect of it. The second was that I got into the (good) habit of following the news more. This in turn made me approach news publications with a more critical eye, which is what any journalist would want to have.

I hope I didn't bore anyone with my blog. That'd make me feel terrible. Moreover, I hope everyone in the class finishes the semester knowing more about online journalism and each other than when we all met for the first time.

I wish all of you the best. Regardless of what you decide to do with everything you learned in CNJ 442.

-Vic

About the Federal Reserve (Final Project)

I hope you enjoy this short slide show I've created about the Federal Reserve. More importantly, I hope you can see why it is so dangerous to the lives of all Americans, rich or poor.

I would like to thank all those who let me use their photographs and illustrations for my slide show. When I explained to them what my class project was about, they graciously gave me permission to use them. I guess my explanation of the Federal Reserve made quite an impression on them. I'm hoping I can leave that kind of impression on all of you.

I do realize that my slide show is a bit long. I did my best to shorten it, but since there were so many details to include, I simply couldn't exclude certain bits of information. I hope you can stay focused enough to understand and enjoy the information this contains.

The Beginning of the End of Civil Liberties

While browsing online, I came across a story that really disturbed me. And I mean really disturbed me.

According to the Associated Press, Britain has started looking for a way to implement national ID cards. These cards will store biometric data and information about a person's nationality and work eligibility. Government officials claim this will help to battle terrorism and identity fraud.

Doesn't that sound a bit tyrannical to you? This national ID plan is an effective way of taking away people's civil liberties. Next thing you know, people in Britain will soon have ID chips stored in their arms. Since when did the state have so much authotity over its citizens? Are we living in Oceania now?

The scary part is that this might be implemented in the United States, too. Ever since George W. Bush began his war on terror in 2001, this topic has been on the mind of those in power in Washington D.C. Of course, you'll never hear anyone in the news talk about it.

Hannity & Colmes Headline

While browsing online, I saw a headline on the front page of the news section at Yahoo that caught my eye. It said Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes of the top-rated show Hannity & Colmes on Fox News would stop working together at the end of the year. This comes after 12 years of working together.

Interested to see how Fox reported the news, I checked out their site. Interestingly enough, there was no story on the front page telling readers about this story. I wonder why that could be?

Personally, I don't watch Hannity & Colmes. Well, only when it's late and I can't sleep. I believe people who follow the show would like to know why the pair won't be working together anymore, so Fox News should probably place a headline about this on its front page.

Mexican Drug Wars Slideshow

While the United States struggles against the effects of a turbulent economy, Mexico keeps trying to stem the tide of the drug-cartel wars that have left more than 4,000 people dead in this year alone.

Since Mexican President Felipe Calderon took office back in 2006, he has sent over 36,000 soldiers to battle the cartels that smuggle drugs in Mexico and into the United States. Many in these cartels have slain innocent civilians and police officers. They have also worked closely with agents and politicians working for the Mexican government, which makes the problem even worse.

While browsing through the Wall Street Journal, I came across a very powerful slideshow capturing grim images of the violence that has plagued Mexico for the last several months. Take a look; the images are chilling. The fact they are in black and white makes the slideshow more eerie, interesting.

Continuing My Blog

I noticed I have more than the required amount of posts necessary to get an A in the class. I could stop blogging for the rest of the semester, but I don't think I will. I figure all of you appreciate reading everything I have to say (please note the sarcasm).

I must admit: I've grown accustomed to the idea of blogging almost daily. It's gotten to the point where anytime I go online, I look for something interesting to blog about. That's not bad is it?

CNN's Developing/Breaking News Story Alert Box

If you visit CNN online, you'll see a big alert box at the top of the page with either a developing or breaking news story. This box features a Twitter-like blurb informing readers about an important story currently in the news.

This box updates itself if more important things happen to take place. At the top right, there is a small exit circle, which allows one to close the box if one wishes to not see it anymore.

I found this feature very unique, as it is aimed at showing readers what could be considered the most important event at the moment. Since it's at the top of the page and in a box for itself, it doesn't distract or take away from any of the other headlines, features on the site.

Central Florida Killer, Cyberstalker to be Executed

Web 2.0 has helped people in different parts of the world communicate and share ideas online. However, Andrew Allred of Oviedo, Fla. used the same unique tools others use positively for something tragic: stalking and killing an ex-girlfriend.

According to a story by Rene Stutzman of the Orlando Sentinel, Allred was handed the death penalty today for two counts of first-degree murder. The story claims Allred cyberstalked and killed an ex-girlfriend and a friend of hers, who happened to be a student at the University of Central Florida.

Though the story was written well, I thought it could have used more details. I asked myself why it didn't. Was it to respect the privacy of the families whose loved ones were slain? Or was it because the sentencing just took place today and there aren't enough details allowed to be published yet? I looked to see at what time the story had been published but it didn't say.

And the most popular story is...

With an hour to go before class starts, I decided to blog about something to kill some time. So I went to Yahoo and clicked on a link that shows users what the most popular online stories are at the moment.

At #1 is a story about a new study revealing that unhappy people spend more time watching television than people who consider themselves happy.

According to this study done at the University of Maryland, people who have more sex, read more often, and spend most of their free time socializing with others, view themselves as happier individuals than those who do not.

Interesting. I rarely watch television. Unless there's a big boxing match scheduled or a primetime football game being aired.

Obama's 60 Minutes Interview

In case you missed Barack Obama's first interview since being elected 44th president of the United States, you can watch it below.


Watch CBS Videos Online

In this 60 Minutes telecast, Obama and his wife Michelle discuss several issues with Steve Kroft, from the economy to the dog they will buy for their two girls. The video is a bit long at almost 43 minutes, but there are some humorous parts in it that I thought were worth watching.

If one wanted to see a replay of this video 30 years ago, it would have been almost impossible to. Where would it go? Thanks to Web 2.0, that is not a problem.

Massachusetts Unemployment Photo Gallery

Unemployment tends to rise whenever the economy is turbulent. Just recently, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the nation's unemployment rate at 7.5, which accounts for over 10.1 million Americans without a job. That's scary. What's scarier is that those numbers are only going to get worse in the coming months.

The Boston Globe recently featured an interesting photo gallery profiling major companies and corporations in Massachusetts that are laying people off.

In the gallery, it shows a picture of the company offices in Massachusetts. It then lists the different statewide locations, how many Massachusetts employees currently work there, and how many people in the state have lost their job.

The photo gallery is definitely grim, but it's worth looking at. Here's to hoping I can find a job once I graduate...

Problems with Rush Limbaugh's Website

I have a friend who's very conservative and politically active.

Yesterday, we bumped into each other outside Richter Library and ultimately began discussing politics--this girl's favorite topic. After a while, the conversation got into Rush Limbaugh's radio show, which to no surprise, this girl listens to regularly. One thing stood out about this conversation and that was, she said that, though she's followed Limbaugh's show over the years, she doesn't particularly like his website.

So today I checked out the site and quickly saw what my friend was referring to. Everything about Limbaugh's site looks cluttered. Plus, there are way too many ads. Also, the main section tabs are very small and hard to locate though they're at the top of the page. Moreover, there are so many colors, which can really overwhelm your eyes.

I don't care too much for Limbaugh or his political views. I agree with some of them; with others I don't. However, I think if enough of his devoted listeners dislike the way his site looks, they should contact his webmaster so the necessary changes can be made.

Troop Tube

Just about everyone in the world knows about YouTube. It's the best place to go online to kill time, especially when you're at work like I am now. Sometimes I surf around and watch old boxing matches or cartoons that aired when I was a child. Hey, anything to not fall asleep on the job.

But I'm sure most people haven't heard of TroopTube. It's just like YouTube, only customized for the U.S. military.

About a year ago, the Pentagon blocked social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace for members in the armed forces. The Pentagon claimed this was a security measure, as they didn't want classified material to be leaked. This didn't sit well with the troops, who wanted a way to stay in touch with their loved ones back home. So TroopTube was developed.

In order to register on TroopTube, one must work for the Defense Department or serve in the U.S. armed forces. That or have a family member in the military. The process of uploading videos is similar to YouTube, only that the Pentagon reviews all videos before they are posted on the site, instead of an editorial board.

I think the concept of TroopTube is a good idea, although I don't agree with the fact that soldiers are not allowed to use social networking sites. But then again, no one asked for my opinion.

I don't have any relatives or friends in the armed forces, so I don't know how soldiers feel about TroopTube. That would be interesting to know. I would also like to know if there any other sites that soldiers cannot access, particularly those related to the news.

Critiquing the New York Times' Online Layout

The New York Times is considered the most respectable American newspaper and for good reason. For years now, the content it's featured has been excellent.

However, if you visit their online edition, you can't help but notice that the layout on the front page feels jumbled and mashed together. The Times continues to feature great articles and very useful information, but they should really consider editing their layout. They could start by organizing their sidebars and giving everything a bit more white space.

Compared to other newspapers' online editions, such as the Miami Herald, the Boston Globe, and the Washington Post, the Times looks sloppy. And that's a shame because its content is usually better than the other three papers. Still, as respectable as a newspaper may be, people will not read it online if it's not easy on the eyes.

Monks Scrap Near Christ's Tomb

Sorry if anyone find this video offensive, but I think it's hilarious. I'm glad someone was around to film these monks fighting near Christ's tomb. Talk about responsible journalism.

I'm willing to bet this becomes one of the most popular videos online as soon as it gets posted to YouTube, everyone's favorite website.

Pitbull, Cat in Love

I have a pitbull so I thought this video was really funny. Over the years, pitbulls have gotten a reputation for being ferocious animals, and they can be. But they can also be really gentle.

Moreover, I like this video because it shows a unique side of online journalism. It shows how people can share unimportant material with others, and have it become a top story/media creation on the Internet just because it's interesting.

Remembering Bryan Pata

It's hard to believe it's already been two years since Bryan Pata, a former football player of the Miami Hurricanes, was murdered. It's even harder to understand why authorities have done basically nothing to investigate who killed Pata and why.

In case anyone has forgotten about this tragedy, ESPN recently commemorated Pata's death in a special television feature on Outside the Lines, which explores sports-related stories. Here is a small clip of an interview with Pata's mother and brother that was featured in this special.



On its website, ESPN also featured an excellent piece by Elizabeth Merrill remembering Pata. Not only is it a well written story, it also has very touching photographs. You should check it out.

I really appreciate just how sympathetically ESPN treated this story. In the past, the media has only trashed the University of Miami's football program, so I'm glad ESPN chose not to.

Post-Election Day Coverage

I know Obama winning the presidency is the biggest news story right now. However, it seems like that's the only thing the media is covering in the days after Obama's big win.

I can understand why. After all, this election has been quite historic. Still, I think it's safe to say that Americans are a bit fatigued from such a long campaign season. However, I'm positive that from now until Obama actually takes office, we will continue hearing more about this election.

I just hope all the major news networks and newspapers do talk about something else. Anything.

Obama Acceptance Speech Slideshow

So Barack Obama will be the 44th president of the United States. After a long campaign season, TV networks declared him the winner of last night's election pretty quickly.

Shortly after Obama was declared the winner, McCain gave a gracious concession speech to his supporters in Phoenix. Minutes later Obama would address his own supporters in Chicago with an eloquent acceptance speech.

For this post, I have featured an audio slide show from CNN, in which Obama's acceptance speech is narrated over a variety of campaign-themed images. Very nicely done.

Politico's Best/Worst Campaign Ads

Today is Election Day. Everywhere around the world, people are anxiously waiting to see who will be the next president of the United States. Meanwhile, every news network and newspaper across the country is providing extensive coverage of this event on their websites.

I must say: the content in all of these online publications is quite good. They all featured something unique. However, my favorite feature was a list on Politico's website that reviewed the best and worst TV ads from the election campaign.

In this list, Daniel Libit critiques Obama and McCain's five best/worst ads. Kudos to Libit for explaining his picks in a humorous way. I tried embedding one of each in this post, but there was no link. So to watch these short videos, you'll have to check out the link I provided.

Signs of the Times

I wanted to try something new for this post. I wanted to feature something related to the election tomorrow, but I felt like I had already blogged about everything there was to discuss: election polls, early voting maps, third party candidates, etc.

And then an idea hit me. Being a nosy journalist, I decided I would take a short walk around my block to see if my neighbors had any signs of the candidates they were supporting (Obama or McCain) in front of their homes. As it turns out, only four did and they were all for Republican nominee John McCain. Honestly, I was quite surprised that there were no Obama signs. None whatsoever.

Here are pictures of the McCain signs. Just thought I would share:

Professors' Political Views: Influential?

So I'm browing through the New York Times online, when I come across a forum that asks readers to comment on how much they think professors influence the political beliefs of their students. Because according to studies professors rarely do.

Some agreed; others did not. But regardless of how people responded, I thought it was an interesting topic to open up for discussion a day before Election Day. Especially since experts have repeatedly said young voters might determine who is America's next president.

Reader comments are a unique feature of online journalism. They allow for news to become much more interactive. This is a good thing, as it raises the awareness of the community.

Crocodile Killer Captured

A month ago, an endangered crocodile was mutilated and murdered on the campus of the University of Miami. In the days after this horrific event, the local south Florida media couldn't stop covering what had happened.

A few days ago, the crocodile killer was captured. As it turns out, a 16-year old boy was responsible for killing the endangered animal. However, there has been barely any local coverage regarding the boy's arrest. I've asked myself why that could be. Could it be because the boy is a minor? I'm thinking that's probably why.

That raises the issue of just how much the media should disclose information regarding this kind of crime (a felony). I know a minor's privacy should be respected, but for the benefit of the community, I think people should know who this criminal is. It would make everyone feel safer if they knew who this individual was so they could stay away from him.

The Boston Globe's Things To Do section

While many people visit an online news publication to get the news (duh!), there are many others who go online just to find out what's going on around them. For people living in Boston and New England, looking for something to do, the Boston Globe features an excellent Things to Do section with plenty of information.

This section not only features a list of the hottest restaurants in town and all the newest movies currently being shown, it also has extensive reviews for all of them. It also has listings for local theater/arts and music events. But that's not all. This section also lists plenty of activities for families, singles, etc. There's also a unique, interactive map that tells people where the cheapest and most convenient places to park in Boston are. Talk about helpful.

There were two things I liked most about this section. One was a search engine that allows visitors to find events based on their location, say Somerville or Roxbury. I also liked that there was a link to the Boston 101 photo gallery, which shows visitors images of some of the nicest places to visit in the city.

Boston-South Florida Connection

According to a story by the Boston Globe, the Boston Red Sox will continue to play spring training ball in Ft. Myers, Fla. for the next 30 years. When I read this, I thought it'd be interesting to compare how different newspapers' online publications treated this news.

At the Globe's site, this story was on the front page of the sports section and in a small, hard-to-find blurb in the local news section.

When I looked for the story at the Miami Herald, I couldn't find it in the sports section. I actually had to use the search engine to locate the story in a recent news archive. The same applied for the Sun Sentinel.

Interesting, right?

Too Many Ads

I love the Boston Globe. I've been reading it for years now. I've even followed it regularly since it began as an online publication. However, in looking at the overall design of the site, I must say there are too many ads scattered everywhere.

Yes, I know newspaper sites need ads to make money, but I believe too many can turn off visitors/readers. It's good to have ads, I guess, in case you may be looking for some kind of service. But most people don't want to be inundated by them. That's not why they go to a newspaper's online site. They want to see news, videos, and images. Not countless ads.

The Boston Globe's RAW

Are you an amateur photographer living in the Boston and New England area? Want to publish your work, have others critique it, and possibly win a money prize? Then check out RAW at the Boston Globe.

RAW is the Globe's interactive photography section where visitors can upload photos, nominate photographers for awards, and discuss topics related to photography. I really like this feature because it allows online users to interact in their community and possibly play an integral role in what cmakes the news. After all, who doesn't like photographs?

The Boston Globe's Halloween Guide

Say you live in Boston or are visiting the area around Halloween. Don't know what's going on and want to find out? Check out the Halloween Guide at the Boston Globe. You will find plenty of information regarding special events, such as costume parties and contests.

However, there are other features that appear on the Halloween Guide. You can check out the Globe's list of interesting places to visit, such as haunted inns. You can get costume ideas from the costume photo gallery and even upload images of a pet's costume to share with others. You can also skim through the Globe's recommendations of the scariest movies, songs, and books to get in the Halloween spirit.

I think people in the Boston and New England area can really appreciate this Halloween Guide. For one, the available information is pretty extensive. Secondly, it is constantly being updated. Yet again, these are (interactive) features that could only really appear online. So hooray for online journalism.

Election Polls

Polling services are an integral part of an election race since people constantly want to how their preferred candidate is doing as time passes.

If you check the Election 08 Political Dashboard at Yahoo.com, you can see how Barack Obama and John McCain are doing in every state. It also lets you create your own scenario for how the election may play out on November 4th.

I find this interactive feature interesting and fun. It not only informs people, it also lets them get creative. And again, it's a feature that can only be presented online.

Early Voting Map for South Florida

Early voting in south Florida began several days ago. A lot of people hoped this would cut down on the amount of time they would have to wait in line on Election Day. Apparently it hasn't. According to south Florida newspapers and news stations, early voting lines are ridiculously long.

Still, those who would like to cast their vote early instead of waiting till November 4th, but don't know where to go, should check out this interactive map featured on the Miami Herald. It lists all the different places one can go to vote early.

I find this tremendously useful and it's a feature that could only really appear online.

ESPN's College Football Gamecast

Want to follow a college football game that's not being televised? Say, for instance Oklahoma State against Texas? Then click on this link to access the College Football Gamecast at ESPN.com to see what's going on.

Third Party Candidates

Less than two weeks remain till Election Day and restlessness is already in the air. Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, are getting anxious to cast their vote and elect the next president of the United States. You can feel this anywhere you go.

The way this election race has turned out, it would seem as if only Barack Obama and John McCain were running for president. After all, the two mainstream candidates are the only ones that ever get mentioned by the media.

If you were to ask the average citizen about Bob Barr, Chuck Baldwin or Cynthia McKinney, they would probably respond to you with a blank stare. That's because the press rarely mentions these third party candidates in their own bids for the presidency. And since these candidates are never mentioned, the public doesn't even know they exist. That's unfortunate because these candidates, along with Ralph Nader, often run on a platform that benefits Americans more than those of Obama and McCain.

I find it amusing and yet, terrifying, that the majority of people voting for Obama or McCain have no idea what each stand for. They know they want someone to implement change. What they don't know is that casting their vote for either of the establishment parties will only bring about more of the same from the last eight years.

That's why I was happy to come across an article by Alain Jean-Robert that mentioned the third party candidates and discussed how they may affect the race for the presidency. If more people in the news talked about these candidates, Americans would be better informed and better able to make an intelligent decision on Election Day. Sadly, they don't, so when we swear in our next president in January 2009, prepare yourselves for more of the same.

Alan Greenspan's Cynicism

According to an article by Mark Falsenthal, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan is in disbelief over the state of the country's credit market. That has to be the most cynical thing I've heard in weeks considering Greenspan's policies directly led to the financial mess we are in.

During his tenure as Chariman of the Federal Reserve, Greenspan was widely considered a genius. And in a way he was, but not for the right reasons. As Chairman, Greenspan purposely kept interest rates low, which led to the housing bubble, and overall crisis we are in now.

I commend Falsenthal for writing this story. Though he doesn't directly accuse Greenspan of anything, he certainly points out what his policies were as Chairman of the Federal Reserve and puts them in perspective. Which is good because for far too long, people have praised Greenspan's every move.

Obama Rally in Downtown Miami

Last night, while CNJ 442 students were in class listening to guest speakers talk about the various ways multimedia technology can be used, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama addressed supporters in downtown Miami. This is what we missed.

Video courtesy of the Miami Herald.

Technology is King

For journalists, technology is everything. Especially for those who do most of their work online. In the last few years, technological advances have reshaped the landscape of journalism so drastically that, those that are a part of it, are trying to stay ahead of the game and figure out where they fit in the overall picture.

Apparently, the field of medicine is being redefined by technology as well. In a recent piece in the University of Miami Magazine, Lisa Sedelnik writes how telehealth technology brings highly unique medical care to patients in need.

Telehealth technology works through video conferencing, with a doctor on a screen speaking directly to a patient on the other end. According to Sedelnik's story, this has helped treat patients that otherwise might not be treated or diagnosed.

I found this article very interesting, since it shows how technology continues to affect everyone's lives in this day and age. Moreover, it hints at the endless possibilities that are always on the horizon.

The Works of Pablo Corral Vega

Last year I took a photography course here at the University of Miami with Professor Loup Langton. One day Dr. Langton brought in a guest speaker to class to speak to us about photojournalism.

The man was an Ecuadorian photographer named Pablo Corral Vega, whose award-winning images have been featured in National Geographic and the Smithsonian Magazine. After showing us some of his brilliant photographs taken in places like Cambodia, Romania, and Brazil, Mr. Vega talked to everyone about the importance of photojournalism in today's world.

Right before he ended his discussion, Mr. Vega told us about his website and how he regularly updates it with new photographs. Since then, I've stopped by his site from time to time to see all the new works he has published.

It's truly remarkable how intuitive Mr. Vega is at peering into the personal lives of strangers from different parts of the world. He may not speak the same language as any of the people he photographs, but his ability to connect with people of different backgrounds and beliefs is what allows him to be a master with the camera. I recommend that all of you visit his website and take a look at his works so you can see what photojournalism is like when it's done flawlessly.

Dan Rafael's Hopkins-Pavlik Multi-Media Package

Last night I went to a sports bar with some friends to watch a pay-per-view boxing match between Bernard Hopkins and Kelly Pavlik. Hopkins would box a very intelligent fight for 12 rounds en route to an easy unanimous decision over Pavlik.

At 43, Hopkins is an all-time great in the sport. For years, he has perfected his craft with tremendous discipline and grit. That's the reason why yesterday he was able to easily school a powerful puncher like Pavlik, who's only 26.

For those who didn't watch the fight, there was the option of following Dan Rafael's live punch-by-punch analysis to see what was taking place. Rafael, a writer for ESPN.com, regularly features these from his online blog.

Rafael recently began creating multimedia packages for the last several pay-per-view boxing matches featured on HBO. These packages not only feature his punch-by-punch analysis and fight score card, but also a large photo gallery, video interviews, and several interesting facts leading up to the fight itself.

Though I personally dislike Rafael, he is a great sports writer. Though at times Rafael is cocky and overly sarcastic, he is always very informative and analytical. If you take a look at the multimedia package he created for this Hopkins-Pavlik fight, you'll see exactly what I'm talking about.

Easy to Fix

One of the things I like about online journalism is that it allows one to easily fix stories being written/published.

If one published a story with errors or typos in the newspaper, it'd be impossible to recall all the printed copies in order to make the necessary changes to it. The same goes for if one simply wanted to reword a certain sentence or paragraph to make it sound better. But with a computer, any changes can be easily made, and that makes everyone's job a little easier.

Browsing Online During the 3rd Presidential Debate

I'm currently watching the third presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. As usual, I'm not impressed with either candidate. However, I will admit that this debate is turning out to be a little more interesting than the previous two. Maybe it's because of the format. Or maybe it's because Bob Schieffer of Face the Nation is a good moderator.

In any case, I wanted to go online to see what newspapers and news networks had featured on their websites for users like me who got online while watching the debate. A lot of them had similar features, such as quizzes, polls, videos, and feature stories with in-depth analysis. However, I must credit CNN.com for having two unique features on their site.

One is a constantly updated transcript of the debate, which I find very useful in case someone wants to track down every word a candidate has said thus far. And secondly is the Live People Meter, which shows people responding and grading both men by using a device with a knob that is turned up or down whenever a candidate says something that appeals to them.

Solid Gold

Forget the stock market. If you have money invested there, you'll eventually lose most of its worth. Maybe not anytime soon. But eventually you will, given the way our economic system is...failing. Mark my words.

If you want to invest in something solid, consider metals. Especially gold. Many Americans have seemingly forgotten the value of gold or are completely oblivious to it. That may be due to the fact that the gold standard was done away with under the Nixon administration. But I digress. If you want your money to be safe and actually worth something in the coming future, consider gold. Any real economist will tell you that.

If you've been following my blog entries, you'll notice I am fascinated by economics. You'll realize just how much it digusts me that our government interferes with nearly everything in the market. That is primarily the reason why our economy is in shambles. If the crooks in Washington D.C. were to keep their slimy hands to themselves, everyone would be better off.

That's why it really bothers me that many financial journalists tend to ignore important fiscal issues. I would expect them to stay on the heels of the thieves that are ruining our money. Or at least give people real advice in regards to money. But they don't. A lot of times they just write about pointless economic trends.

That's why I was very pleased to come across an article online that explained in simple terms why gold is so valuable. Especially in times of crisis. Kudos to David Ian Miller for actually writing something substantial.

Preliminary Step toward Socialism (Twitter Style)

Want to know what’s a preliminary step toward socialism? The government staking a claim to our banks.

Palin's Ethic Violations (Twitter Style)

Check the news. You’ll see the media can’t stop discussing a recent report claiming Sarah Palin abused her power as governor of Alaska.

The Miami Herald's New Look (Twitter Style)

Have you seen the new changes to the Miami Herald online? It was recently given a sleeker, more interactive look.

Interest Rate Fixing from the Fed (Twitter Style)

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates half a point today. Great. More manipulation of the market is just what we need in times of crisis.

Judging the 2nd Presidential Debate (Twitter Style)

For my next five entries, I will be blogging in the Twitter style. Here is my first of these posts:

I bet no one in the media grills either candidate for being so vague at last night’s town-hall debate. So much for all those good questions.

Scoop Jackson on the Hapless Chicago Cubs

If I had to name a journalist who inspired me to become one myself, I would have to say it's Scoop Jackson. Jackson is currently a feature writer at ESPN.com. However, I started reading Jackson's pieces when he wrote for Slam Magazine around the year 2000.

I remember when I was 13, I'd spend any money I had on an issue of Slam just to read anything Jackson had written. He was that insightful and deep. For a long time, I remember trying to write just like him.

Over the years, I've stopped reading Slam Magazine, primarily because Jackson no longer writes for them. However, I've still been able to follow his work wherever he's been, which is all available online.

Today I came across a very good story by him in which he breaks down the Chicago Cubs' latest playoff woes. For those of you who like sports and would like a good read, check it out. You'll see why I think Jackson is so talented. If you're a Cubs fan, it may be too painful to even skim through. Still, you'll have to admit Jackson makes some very strong points that can't be denied.

O'Reilly v. Frank

A few nights ago, Bill O'Reilly at Fox News got into a war of words with Democratic Congressman Barney Frank of Massachusetts over the country's financial crisis.

At first, the interview started off quite plain. But within seconds, O'Reilly became agitated and began harassing Frank. I was laughing the whole time, as I didn't know TV hosts were supposed to berate their guests, even if it is a dishonest politician like Frank.

Apparently, a lot of people found the interview as funny as I did, so it is now posted online for all to see. That's a good thing about online journalism. It allows one to see videos that aired some time ago.

Personally, I dislike Frank and O'Reilly even more. He is probably the least objective journalist in the business. But in this interview, he certainly confronts Frank with nothing but the truth. However, I think if he wants more people to take him seriously, he should lessen his tone.

Breaking Down the Biden-Palin VP Debate

According to Nielsen Media Research, the vice-presidential debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin drew more viewers than the first presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain.

In the days leading up to the debate, there was plenty of anticipation surrounding the event. Many wanted to see how Biden, who is known as a scrappy politician, would match up against an inexperienced rival. Many were curious to see how Palin would perform under intense pressure given that, in her latest interviews, she had sounded a bit incoherent. And of course, many were curious to see how a debate would turn out between a man and a woman.

Once the debate was underway, Biden and Palin shared lively exchanges that were much more interesting than those between Obama and McCain. I personally disagree with both candidates' views. However, I found watching Biden and Palin go at it somewhat amusing.

In the hours since the debate, news stations, online newspapers, and websites across the country have been buzzing about the event. Many have published articles regarding the nature of the event itself. Many have taken polls judging who won the debate. And of course, plenty have posted videos with interviews, asking viewers what they thought about the debate in general.

The consensus among viewers seems to be that both candidates performed quite well. Many were surprised Palin appeared calm enough to hold her own against Biden, who viewers believe seemed very knowledgeable. Here is such a video.

Keeping up with Shady Referees

About two years ago, the FBI launched an investigation against NBA referee Tim Donaghy, who was allegedly betting on games he was officiating and providing inside information to gambling associates. Donaghy was eventually charged as a felon and is currently serving a 15-month sentence.

Since then, the NBA has launched various investigations to see if there were more shady referees behaving like Donaghy. The investigation found that, while various referees had been violating many of the league's rules on gambling, none were as serious as the charges brought on Donaghy.

When Donaghy's illegal behavior first made headlines, people across America were horrified. For weeks, people couldn't stop talking about it. Anywhere you looked, whether it was on TV or in the newspaper, there was a story related to Donaghy. But like all things, big headlines tend to quickly fade from people's memories. Still, even though months have passed since Donaghy was charged and the NBA launched its latest investigation, many journalists have been following this story.

While any updates regarding Donaghy or the NBA's referee problem would certainly be considered news, they might only show up as blurbs in the paper (to save space) given that a lot of people have forgotten about the incident. One of the good things about online journalism is that individuals interested in following under-the-radar stories can since there's more than enough space for them online.

Crocodile Mutilated at UM

Yesterday when I was leaving campus, I saw dozens of police cars and news vans crowded around the Ponce de Leon Garage on campus. I had somewhere to go, but I tried to stick around for a bit to see if I could find out what all the fuss was about. However, no one seemed willing to answer any questions.

Later in the evening, I found out what happened. Supposedly, someone mutilated and killed an endangered crocodile that was living in a sewer canal near the Ponce de Leon garage. Coverage of the incident can be found in this brief video .

I was speechless when I saw this--I still am. This is beyond cruel. I ask myself what would motivate someone to hurt an innocent animal minding its own business? I just hope whoever did this gets caught and punished with the harshest of punishments.

Apparently, residents of south Florida are equally outraged. So I'm glad to see that since this news broke, the local television networks and newspapers, like the Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel, have been following the story and updating the community with any further news.

Congress Votes Down $700 Billion Bailout

Last week, politicians in Washington tried developing a $700 billion bailout plan for Wall Street. However, today a slight majority in Congress wisely turned it down.

Throughout the day, television networks aired live coverage of the crucial voting session, while newspapers reported what was taking place online. I was able to watch some of it on TV, but I mostly knew what was happening thanks to the people at the WashingtonPost.com, who were keeping a live blog. So kudos to them.

I don't want to discuss my personal views regarding the bailout too much. I'll just say I hope the crooks on Wall Street know they don't deserve a penny of Americans' tax money. If their institutions are crumbling, they should suffer for their own greed and corruption.

The only point I want to raise is my beef with the media over how, while politicians devised the bailout plan, no one questioned how that money would be backed. America is broke right now. And our currency is beyond weak. So where would the government come up with $700 billion of sound money?

I'm no economic guru, but I know enough about our financial system to know that the money for the bailout plan would be backed by nothing but paper money. I'm sure there are journalists out there that know much more than me. Yet, no one dared to discuss this. Shame on them.

My $0.02 on the First Presidential Debate of 2008

Two days ago, presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain held the first of three debates at the University of Mississippi at Oxford. The main topics that were discussed dealt with the economy and foreign relations (mainly the Middle East). A few days prior to the debate, there were rumors that McCain might not show up, but he ultimately did.

In the hours following the 90 minute debate, the media sounded off on each candidate's performance. Many praised Obama for coming off as calm and patient, but assertive. Some said McCain could have done better, though he certainly came off as tough and willful. These were the most common views held by television networks and newspapers.

Personally, I think both candidates failed to talk about the real issues America faces. Forget the government bailout; it's going to fail, as it is backed by nothing but paper money. Forget whether Afghanistan is more dangerous than Iran. The truth is both men represent similar interests and that is big government spending.

Both men claim their goal is to reform Washington. But how can they when both of them are controlled by billionaire special interest groups? I could care less about the technicalities and petty issues each men pointed out. I didn't tune into the debate to hear the same bickering one would expect from high school girls.

I tuned in to the debate because I wanted to hear both candidates' views on the Federal Reserve and the IRS, and why they rob taxpayers' hundreds of millions of dollars. I tuned in because I hoped either one of them would address the issue of Americans losing countless liberties every day. I thought I might hear something regarding why our government continues to believe it's an obligation to maintain an empire overseas and tell other nations what to do. I wanted to know what each thought about America becoming more socialist as time goes on.

But I didn't. All I heard was nonsense. That is why I cannot and will not vote for either corporate, neo-conservative lap dog.

In Memory of Paul Newman

I usually refrain from talking about Hollywood celebrities. But for this post, I have to make an exception.

Earlier this morning I came across shocking headlines that said Academy-Award winning actor Paul Newman died after battling cancer for some time. Needless to say, I was quite saddened to hear the news, as I have a lot of respect for Newman, who appeared in several iconic films, such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Absence of Malice," and "The Color of Money."

That's why I was pleased to see that FoxNews.com had a large section dedicated to Newman's life and career. It contains photos, videos, and even a personal family statement. For those who wish to know more about the legendary screen actor, I suggest you browse through the gallery. It's very informative, and well, touching, too.

Political Cartoons Online

Ah, political cartoons. Ya gotta love them. They resonate louder than all the words in the dictionary combined. And they're usually all very clever and humorous. Now that most people get their news online, it's good to see that newspapers still have people drawing up and publishing these cartoons.

Today I came across some really funny political cartoons at MSNBC.com. They primarily deal with America's recent economic woes. I recommend you take a quick peek at them if you want a good laugh.

Economic Insight from Glenn Beck

I can't stand Glenn Beck. He's a little too smug to listen to for more than a few minutes. However, in the last several days, I've found myself agreeing with many of the issues he's raised on his show and website regarding our (bleak) economic situation.

While Beck is no expert on the economy, he definitely knows what he's talking about when he speaks of our financial system falling apart. If you can get past his crude, sarcastic, in-your-face style, you will realize that many of the issues he raises make more than a lot of sense.

I recommend taking a glance at some of the content on his site, which features many of the same stories on his show. Even if you disagree with many of his positions as I do, I think you'll see Beck is a voice of reason when it comes to our fiscal concerns.

Misleading Titles

I want to discuss a topic brought up by a classmate in a comment to my previous post.

In my last post, I had a link featuring a video of the roof of Miami Arena coming down. While the short clip was rather interesting, the title of it was misleading, as it made the event seem like some sort of accident when it clearly wasn't.

I would think anyone who came across a video featuring the word implosion would probably think there had been a freakish disaster. And immediately follow the link. That's what I expected when I saw a short video titled "Miami Arena Implodes." However, there would be no tragic accident. All there was were demolition crews caving a roof in, which is not as exciting as the title suggests. However, later I saw the video was given a more appropriate name.

This brings me to my point, or rather the one raised by my classmate Corey Erb. Is it possible that the media gives stories misleading titles to attract more viewers? After thinking about it, I think it may be true.

There have been many times when I have read or seen news online and the content seems very different from what the title suggests. And I think, either the press either exercises poor judgment or deliberately spices up a title for more views. What do you think?

Miami Arena's Roof Implodes

So I'm online, killing time before NFL Sunday kicks off, when I come across a video that says the roof of Miami Arena imploded. At first I thought there had been some sort of accident. But after watching the video, I come to find out it was actually blown up on purpose. Silly me.

I thought the footage was pretty good, so I figured I'd share with anyone who decides to skim through my blog. It's not spectacular but it's decent enough. Enjoy.

Obama Comes to UM

Two days ago, Barack Obama spoke at the Bank United Center at the University of Miami in regards to women's issues. Obama, the Democratic party's presidential candidate, is the first African-American to be nominated in the current two-party system.

While I didn't go to the event, I do know a lot of people that did. And I know even more that desperately tried to find tickets but couldn't find a way to get in. The event, "Women's Rally for the Change We Need," was open not just to students and faculty at the University of Miami, but to anyone in south Miami who could manage to obtain tickets.

To accommodate those who couldn't attend, the University set up various watch points throughout campus. From what I hear, there were a large amount of people who showed up to see the event from these watch points.

In any case, at the University of Miami's website, there is a link with a story recapping the events. There is also a small photo gallery included.

Now, by no means do I get my news from the university's home page, but if anyone were to, there's the option of checking out what's in the news around UM right from the computer.

The Fed Extends Helping Hand to AIG (My Version)

A few days ago I tracked a story by Madlen Read regarding the Federal Reserve coming to the aid of American Insurance Group with an $85 billion loan. While Read updated her piece regularly throughout the morning, she did not make the necessary updates in the evening, once the work day was over.

Now that a few days have passed since the DOW went down 450 points (but rebounded again), I will write my version of Read's story. Well, just the first few paragraphs. Here goes:

Fearing a collapse on Wall Street, the Federal Reserve has loaned American Insurance Group $85 billion on a day in which the DOW Jones fell 450 points. In exchange for help over the next two years, the Federal Reserve will stake a claim to 80 percent of the company.

The government will also begin selling bonds in order to ease some of the panic on the markets. This comes amidst recent warnings by the SEC against short-selling.

Amidst the lack of confidence on Wall Street, more investors have backed away from stock and have looked to more secure assets. This has led to a rapid increase in value in gold and oil.

The Fed Extends Helping Hand to AIG (Update #3)

According to an article by Tim Paradis of the AP, the DOW Jones has gone down 450 points today.

Paradis' article is not the one I have been tracking throughout the day. However, I mention it because the one I have been monitoring, an article by Madlen Read, has not been updated with the latest news.

In the morning, Read first reported that the DOW had gone down 250 points. Hours later, she reported that it had fallen 340. And now, according to Paradis, it's gone down 450 points.

Ugh. Regardless of who's reporting what, there's nothing positive one can really say about this news.

The Fed Extends Helping Hand to AIG (Update #2)

I decided to check one last time whether Madlen Read's piece on the Federal Reserve coming to American Insurance Group's rescue had been updated one last time before the business day was over, and I saw that it had not. The article looked the same as when I checked it about two hours ago.

Thank goodness. I didn't want to hear about the DOW Jones slipping even more.

The Fed Extends Helping Hand to AIG (Update)

So I checked back to see if the story I was following had been updated or not. I won't repost the entire article, as it remains largely the same. However, I will point out that something very important had been changed.

When Madlen Read's article regarding the Federal Reserve lending billions to American Insurance Group was first published at 8:07 AM, there were reports that the DOW Jones had gone down 250 points. When I checked again just now, it said the DOW had slipped past 340 points.

In case you don't know anything about stocks, that is a tremendous drop. That can't bode well for our country.

The Fed Extends Helping Hand to AIG

Over the next several posts, I'll be monitoring, critiquing how an online story is updated throughout the day. My story is about the Federal Reserve rescuing American International Group with an $85 billion loan.

As of 8:07 AM, this is how the story read:

STOCKS TUMBLE AFTER GOVERNMENT BAILOUT OF AIG
By Madlen Read, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK – Wall Street plunged again Wednesday, with anxieties about the financial system still running high even after the government bailed out the insurer American International Group Inc. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped more than 250 points.

The Federal Reserve is giving a two-year, $85 billion loan to AIG in exchange for a nearly 80 percent stake in the insurer, after it lost billions in the risky business of insuring against bond defaults. Wall Street had feared that the conglomerate, which has its tentacles in various financial services industries around the world, would follow the investment bank Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. into bankruptcy.

"We dodged a bullet, but we want to make sure it's a complete ceasefire," said Jack A. Ablin, chief investment officer at Harris Private Bank, noting that AIG still needs to unwind its investment positions, sell off assets, and possibly get more cash.

Furthermore, the two independent Wall Street investment banks left standing — Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley — remain under scrutiny, as does Washington Mutual Inc., the country's largest thrift bank. Morgan Stanley revealed its quarterly earnings early late Tuesday, posting a better-than-expected 7 percent slide in fiscal third-quarter profit. It insisted that it is surviving the credit crisis that has ravaged many of its peers.

Lehman filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday, and by late Tuesday had sold its North American investment banking and trading operations to Barclays, Britain's third-largest bank, for the bargain price of $250 million. Over the weekend, Merrill Lynch, the world's largest brokerage, sold itself in a last-ditch effort to avoid failure to Bank of America Corp.

The ongoing troubles in the financial sector could exacerbate the problems facing the weak U.S. economy, given that individuals and businesses rely on the nation's money centers to borrow from.

The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that new home construction fell by 6.2 percent in August to 895,000 units, the slowest building pace since January 1991. Slumping demand for houses, sinking home prices and mortgage defaults have been the catalysts behind Wall Street's turmoil — and the risky mortgage-backed assets held by the nation's banks are not apt to regain in value until the housing market turns around.

A day after Wall Street regained some of Monday's nosedive, the Dow fell 346.69, or 3.13 percent, to 10,712.33. The blue-chip index is down more than 5 percent on the week, and has fallen more than 23 percent since reaching a record close of 14,164.53 on Oct. 9 last year.

Broader stock indicators also fell. The Standard & Poor's 500 index dropped 45.94, or 3.79 percent, to 1,167.66, while the Nasdaq composite index fell 82.37, or 3.73 percent, to 2,121.53.

Media Mutts and the Federal Reserve

Earlier today it was announced that the Federal Reserve would be pumping $70 billion into our financial system. That's right: $70 billion. This move comes as Wall Street continues to struggle and the country continues keeps falling deeper into a recession.

Great. As if there weren't enough inflation already, Ben Bernanke and his buddies at the Fed are going to continue to print useless, paper money out of thin air. And all the media does is tell us about it. I've been watching my television and browsing online for almost two hours and I have not heard one journalist stand up and question this move. Nor have I heard anyone question what the Federal Reserve really does or why it even exists.

What ever happened to the media being a watch dog to those in power? I ask myself whether those in the press don't know about the Fed or whether they simply care not to grill it because it does not suit their interests. Hmm..I think it may be a little from Column A and a little from Column B.

Covering America's Economic Crisis

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the media tends to ignore coverage of the nation's economy. On one hand, reporters can't really be blamed for that, as our entire economic system is shrouded in secrecy. Yet, I think the press could at least try to do a better job of featuring things related to our once-powerful dollar.

However, with the recent news of Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy filings and Bank of America's purchase of Merill Lynch, there has been no shortage of coverage in regards to Wall Street's recent crisis. Almost everywhere you go online, you can find something related to this recent economic meltdown.

I personally liked an opinion piece by Jon Markman, which explains why the Federal Reserve is right to not have lent a helping hand to the once powerful bank.

For those who don't know much about economics, I suggest they read more Markman, who regularly pens articles for MSN's Money Central. His pieces are always analytical and informative, but light and easy to understand.

Visiting the Miami Herald

Just a few days ago, I went to the offices of the Miami Herald with some of my CNJ 442 classmates to take a tour of the newsroom. Our host was Rick Hirsch, managing editor of multimedia projects.

Before we took our tour of the newsroom, we sat in a conference room discussing a variety of things concerning the Miami Herald and journalism in general.

For instance, we talked about the Herald's continuous news desk and how it constantly monitors news around the world (almost 21 hours a day!). With its countless televisions, computers, and monitors, those at the continuous news desk can immediately publish any breaking news online.

We also talked about some of the many challenges that online journalism has presented to those in the newspaper industry. Namely, how to make money in a market where the majority of people get their news online now.

Our tour then consisted of walking the floors of the newsroom, through the radio studios and a soon-to-be television studio that is currently under construction.

I have to say what impressed me most about this trip was hearing about and then seeing those who work at the continuous news desk. Knowing how diligent those journalists are is not only respectable. It's also intimidating.

The Linchpen

Everyone at the School of Communication at the University of Miami probably knows Greg Linch. You could practically call him the face of the school, as he is very involved with its activities and programs.

In the past, I've had a few classes with Greg. I've also worked with him at the Miami Hurricane, where he served as editor-in-chief. I've always been impressed by his passion for journalism, especially online. Greg also happens to be a very good writer. He's the kind of guy that you can see maybe winning a Pulitzer Prize someday. Really.

In any case, for those who don't know, Greg keeps an online blog called The Linchpen, where he posts about things related to online journalism. Its content is excellent and it's what every student in CNJ 442 would want to feature in their own blog. I recommend that everyone browse through it. It really is good stuff.

Commemorating 9/11

If every American were to write an article commemorating 9/11, there would not be enough ink to publish these pieces. Fortunately, there is enough space for these poignant articles online.

Today, on the 7th anniversary of 9/11, there have been countless articles published online in memory of the tragic event. There have also been dozens of videos submitted and photo galleries created to pay tribute to all the innocent lives that were lost seven years ago.

I find this quite touching. And I'm glad there is enough space online for this.

At FoxNews.com, I came across a small photo gallery that I really liked. It contains images from seven years ago that capture the grief Americans are still recovering from.

Election 2008: Real Issues?

I'll be the first to say that I like that online journalism allows people to read more feature articles than in a newspaper. As someone that will one day write feature articles for a living (hopefully), it lets me know that people appreciate reading about a variety of things related to important topics.

During this presidential campaign, there have been dozens and dozens of feature articles written about Barack Obama and John McCain, their vice-presidential picks, and the election in general.

For instance, at CNN.com, there is an article by Roland Martin about some of the sensitive topics surrounding the upcoming election, such as race and gender.

At The New York Times.com, there's an article by John M. Broder about Democratic vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden's preparation for an upcoming debate with Sarah Palin.

These articles are quite interesting. However, I've realized in the last few months that not many articles have been written about the most important issue in the upcoming election. And that is our frail economy.

Forget the war in Iraq. Forget about global warming. Right now our economy is on the ropes and neither candidate seems to say much about it. Perhaps since no one in the media really presses the issue, both Obama and McCain continue to avoid it.

That's why I was glad to see an article written the other day about America's huge federal deficit. In this piece, David Lightman and Kevin G. Hall discuss how the government's over-spending has weakened the dollar, which feeds inflation and will raise the country's debt to over $10 trillion.

Why aren't more articles like this being written? Is it because they scare people? Is it because they aren't as light as say, articles about the candidates' families?

I'd like to make it clear that I'm not knocking the fact that feature articles are being written about the various topics surrounding this election. I'm just saying I'd like to see more things written about significant ones.

User-Generated Content

One of the unique things about online journalism is that it allows people to generate content of their own related to news stories that might interest them.

At ESPN.com, there is a unique feature that allows college football fans to upload videos of themselves discussing things related to the sport. Fans can sound off about an upcoming game, a rival team they'd like to see clobbered, or simply come up with something interesting to say in support of their favorite team.

Here is a clip of such content, courtesy of ESPN:



Is this considered journalism? Experts and professional journalists might say no. It might be deemed too biased.

That brings up several key issues, such as what exactly is journalism? Is it what's most popular? Is it what generates most debate? Is it limited to a certain platform or type of information? Should only certain people generate content? While no one really knows the answer, one thing is certain: the power of the internet has blurred the lines.

One of the exciting things about our times is that, eventually, the masses will decide and lay out the guidelines for online journalism in the years to come.

Tracking Weather Online

Suppose you live in south Florida and have received various warnings that a severe hurricane is headed your way. Now, say you don't have a TV or radio anywhere near you. What do you do to track the weather? Well, you can check it online.

Now, I don't consider weather coverage journalism per se. But I suppose one could categorize it as such since newspapers and television networks spend a lot of time and money covering it.

Usually, weather coverage is relegated to a small section of the newspaper and a brief segment on the local nightly news. As a result, most people take it in with a yawn. But for those who live near the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, reactions may be different. Especially in the early months of autumn. Why? Hurricane season.

In the last two weeks, there have been warnings issued for three major hurricanes (Gustav, Hannah, Ike). All the major TV networks, like ABC, CBS, and NBC, have really stepped it up as far as informing people on the status of these hurricanes. As of late, all of these stations interrupt regular programming every few minutes to track the coming storms.

If you check online, there is plenty of coverage, too. And not just on a site like the Weather Channel. Almost anywhere you navigate online, there is a link somewhere mentioning the status of these hurricanes. Obviously, weather coverage is being taken seriously by people throughout the country. They hope those in the way of the storms won't have to go through a catastrophe like those who endured Hurricanes Andrew (1992) and Katrina (2005).

Personally, I tend not to follow the weather. Especially when it's on TV--I find it annoying, overly repetitive. But because experts are predicting that Hurricane Ike could be disastrous, I've been constantly tracking the weather right from my computer and I'm thankful there's extensive coverage of it.

Manny Navarro's Eye on the U

College football = excitement.

Full of proud traditions and regional rivalries, college football has more rabid and devoted fans than any other sport in America. Throughout the season, die-hard fans want to constantly know what's going on with their team. Which player got injured? Is the team looking sharp for the upcoming game? What does the coach think of the opposition? Fans of the Miami Hurricanes are no exception.

Thanks to the internet, these fans can get their dose of college football anywhere, anytime with the click of a mouse. Currently, there are dozens of websites dedicated to exclusive coverage of the sport. Some of the premier sites, like Rivals.com and Scout.com, do an excellent job of providing extensive coverage of the sport, team by team. They feature rich stories, in-depth analysis, and exclusive videos and interviews of players and coaches.

However, the downside of these sites is that they require expensive subscription fees. 'Canes fans though, can get outstanding coverage of Miami football for free by checking out Manny Navarro's Eye on the U.

Navarro, a sportswriter for the Miami Herald, has spent the last few years single-handedly putting together content for the Hurricanes on this online blog. Every day, Navarro explores the many aspects of Miami football, featuring many of the same things as the other college football websites but for free and without the help of a large staff. You can't beat that.

Fans appreciate Navarro's work. Even those who don't support Miami football. At Eye on the U, every post by Navarro allows readers to comment. By the end of the day, each post has at least 50 comments.

This week, in the lead-up to the Hurricanes' match-up against the University of Florida, there have been more readers weighing in. And not only from the state, but from all over the coutnry. Proof that Navarro's Eye on the U is online journalism at its finest.

Coverage of the RNC

Every four years, the media goes in a frenzy trying to cover a presidential election. From debates to forums to the campaign trail, the press is always ready to publish anything that might be considered newsworthy.

This week the Republican party is holding its national convention in St. Paul, Minnesota in hopes of generating money, publicity, and support for its presidential nominee John McCain. While there is certainly a healthy amount of buzz surrounding the event, the RNC seems somewhat quieter than that of the Democrats', which was held last week in Denver, Colorado. Perhaps the fear of Hurricane Gustav can be blamed for that. Nevertheless, the Republicans, like the Democrats, have done their best to try to make sure their four day event is a great one.

Almost all of the notable events that have taken place thus far have been televised. In this age of technology, those who miss anything on television can go online to get caught up with what's making headlines. And for political junkies, there are plenty of things about the event to satisfy their cravings.That's one of the great things about online journalism. It gives people flexibility, options.

All of the big networks like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC feature interactive polls, in-depth analysis, photographs, and videos related to the RNC. However, some do a better job of presenting it online. And that is very important.

One of the things people expect when they read news online is for it to be as easy as flipping through the pages of a newspaper. On their respective websites, CNN and MSNBC both have visible links that lead viewers directly to coverage of the RNC. One of the problems I had with Fox News' site is that one has to navigate a bit before finding coverage of the convention.

Again, that is key. People want their information fast. They don't want to spend time looking for something. If I were working over at Fox News, I would try to get that taken care of.

CNJ 442: Exploring Online Journalism

A senior at the University of Miami, I have one semester left before I graduate from the School of Communications as a print journalism major.

In the past, the majority of my classes have focused on traditional journalism. Today though, I had my first class in online journalism (CNJ 442) and I was both excited and nervous.

I've had a little experience creating multimedia packages for an online boxing publication I've written for since entering college. However, I can't say I know too much--if anything--about what makes online journalism as effective as it's become in the last decade.

During this semester, I hope to learn new skills that will help me be a better online journalist. I also hope to gain a better understanding as to why online journalism is uniquely popular/powerful. This class seems like it will be challenging. I won't lie. But it also seems like it will be quite interesting. My goal by the end of this semester is to be able to make stories more appealing to readers using multimedia tools.

It helps that my professor knows a lot. An experienced journalist, Suzanne Levinson has worked at the Miami Herald for more than 10 years and has witnessed the birth and development of journalism online. So if I have questions about anything, I'm sure she'll be able to help.

So, with that being said, I'll be constantly updating this blog throughout the semester to discuss, analyze, and critique things related to online journalism. Please feel free to comment.