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?