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.