Wednesday, October 8, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, October 3, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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.
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.
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