I really enjoyed my trip to Fox61 for the election 2 weeks ago. We spent a lot of our time watching and getting a feel for the newsroom, but we also were able to help out with some numbers, and hang out in the pit with some of the producers. As we toured around the building, I got a better feel for what the newsroom really means to the station, and how cental it is in producing a broadcast, especially one of this magnitude. I enjoyed being in the booth for part of the broadcast, and getting to see what it's like up there with all the yelling that goes on, and how much needs to change throughout the course of the show.
I also had a valuable opportunity to talk with the sports anchor, Rich Coppola, which was helpful for me in that it gave me a contact in the sports department that I may be able to use when it comes time for me to do an internship.
Overall I found the trip to the station to be a great experience, and one that really showed me what its like in a newsroom setting when deadlines have to be met, and things need to get done. The fact that we were able to go for the election coverage only added to the good time that I had, and it showed me what it's like at the station on one of the most important nights in recent memory.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
What if...?
Democratic Vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden said last week that if Barack Obama becomes the president of the United States, the country will face an international crisis within 6 months. It's scary to think that even Obama's running mate is uncertain about his immediate future should he become the 44th president.
The question on this matter is not whether countries will test him or not, because that seems like a certainty. The question is how, and from where will the tests, or attacks, come?
It's clear that there are some countries that will be at the top of the list. Iran is a very likely possibility, because of the recent efforts to eliminate their nuclear development programs. Iran is very far from being a strong nuclear threat, but they may test Obama's policies on advancing their technology.
North Korea has always been seen as a threat to the United States, and it seems that with a young and "inexperienced" president leading us, it would be a prime opportunity for action from Kim Jong-Il. Again, it's likely that North Korea would only test Obama's threshold for bending the rules, and an attack seems unlikely.
A country who isn't necessarily considered to be an enemy of the US, but could easily start a large-scale conflict is Russia. It serves as an immediate and tangible threat the US and Obama, because of the faltering relationship between Vladimir Putin and President Bush.
Russia's actions as of late are a cause for concern, with the country resuming nuclear-armed bomber patrols in the Pacific Ocean. Russia also openly opposes the construction of a missle interception site in Poland to guard against attacks on Western Europe.
The biggest threat to America with Obama as the leader would most certainly be Al-Quaeda, in that they would be most willing to attack the US overtly. Because Osama bin Laden has said outright that he wishes to destroy the US economy, he should be considered our most important threat.
If Senator Obama wishes to have control over these threats to US security, he needs to assert himself as a no-nonsense player on the international stage, working hard with NATO and the UN to quell any backlash from his election.
The question on this matter is not whether countries will test him or not, because that seems like a certainty. The question is how, and from where will the tests, or attacks, come?
It's clear that there are some countries that will be at the top of the list. Iran is a very likely possibility, because of the recent efforts to eliminate their nuclear development programs. Iran is very far from being a strong nuclear threat, but they may test Obama's policies on advancing their technology.
North Korea has always been seen as a threat to the United States, and it seems that with a young and "inexperienced" president leading us, it would be a prime opportunity for action from Kim Jong-Il. Again, it's likely that North Korea would only test Obama's threshold for bending the rules, and an attack seems unlikely.
A country who isn't necessarily considered to be an enemy of the US, but could easily start a large-scale conflict is Russia. It serves as an immediate and tangible threat the US and Obama, because of the faltering relationship between Vladimir Putin and President Bush.
Russia's actions as of late are a cause for concern, with the country resuming nuclear-armed bomber patrols in the Pacific Ocean. Russia also openly opposes the construction of a missle interception site in Poland to guard against attacks on Western Europe.
The biggest threat to America with Obama as the leader would most certainly be Al-Quaeda, in that they would be most willing to attack the US overtly. Because Osama bin Laden has said outright that he wishes to destroy the US economy, he should be considered our most important threat.
If Senator Obama wishes to have control over these threats to US security, he needs to assert himself as a no-nonsense player on the international stage, working hard with NATO and the UN to quell any backlash from his election.
Monday, October 20, 2008
President Bush's Exit Interview
The Dorm Dispatch: Hello President Bush, it's nice to see you again. How have you been?
George W. Bush: Well, I've been doing very well thank you very much, still trying to figure out this financial crisis, but screw it, soon it'll be someone else's problem, eh? Haha.
DD: That's an interesting approach you're taking. Tell me, Mr. President, which do you think was a more disastrous event during your presidency, 9/11 or this crisis?
GWB: Well, 9/11 really allowed me to show my true colors as a leader, and wasn't it a great excuse to attack Saddam?
DD: But Mr. Bush, Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11.
GWB: Didn't matter, we did what's American, twist and distort something so it works, haha.
DD: Moving on, how do you feel about your current 24% approval rating?
GWB: I don't think those ratings are that accurate. I've tried to stay under the radar these last few weeks while the other campaigning is going on, in hopes that the American people would forget about me and these last eight years. Leave it to you to remindilize them.
DD: (Snickers) Next question. What do you think was your greatest success during your time in office?
GWB: Well, uh, I'd say that so long as I've been president, my measure of success has been victory... and success.
DD: Sooo, you're saying victory was your greatest success?
GWB: Yes thats correct.
DD: We haven't really won anything though since you've been in office.
GWB: Next question.
DD: But you didn't answer the...
GWB: Next question.
DD: Fine. How do you see the country moving forward?
GWB: Well, hehe, I'm very excited to see the race unfold in the next few weeks. I'm confident my good friend John McCain will pull out a victory over Barack Osama... Oh crap, sorry, still got Osama on the mind. Never could catch that sneaky bastard. Anyway, McCain has a lot of the same policies as me, so the country will do good with him as president.
DD: You really think the country will do well with McCain as president, especially if he has many of the same policies as you?
GWB: My policies helped to get this country to the point that its at right now, so don't even think about insulting a man who holds the same fundamental beliefs as me!
DD: I'm not even going to get into what your policies have done to this country. Last question. What are your plans now?
GWB: Well, I plan to travel the good ol' US of A, talking to the childrens about the importance of a good education. Then I'll talk to the OB-GYNs around the country about the importance of practicing their love with women. America has misunderestimated me, and I'll prove that I'm one of the greatest American leaders in the past 8 years.
DD: Thank you President Bush, we look forward to January 20th
George W. Bush: Well, I've been doing very well thank you very much, still trying to figure out this financial crisis, but screw it, soon it'll be someone else's problem, eh? Haha.
DD: That's an interesting approach you're taking. Tell me, Mr. President, which do you think was a more disastrous event during your presidency, 9/11 or this crisis?
GWB: Well, 9/11 really allowed me to show my true colors as a leader, and wasn't it a great excuse to attack Saddam?
DD: But Mr. Bush, Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11.
GWB: Didn't matter, we did what's American, twist and distort something so it works, haha.
DD: Moving on, how do you feel about your current 24% approval rating?
GWB: I don't think those ratings are that accurate. I've tried to stay under the radar these last few weeks while the other campaigning is going on, in hopes that the American people would forget about me and these last eight years. Leave it to you to remindilize them.
DD: (Snickers) Next question. What do you think was your greatest success during your time in office?
GWB: Well, uh, I'd say that so long as I've been president, my measure of success has been victory... and success.
DD: Sooo, you're saying victory was your greatest success?
GWB: Yes thats correct.
DD: We haven't really won anything though since you've been in office.
GWB: Next question.
DD: But you didn't answer the...
GWB: Next question.
DD: Fine. How do you see the country moving forward?
GWB: Well, hehe, I'm very excited to see the race unfold in the next few weeks. I'm confident my good friend John McCain will pull out a victory over Barack Osama... Oh crap, sorry, still got Osama on the mind. Never could catch that sneaky bastard. Anyway, McCain has a lot of the same policies as me, so the country will do good with him as president.
DD: You really think the country will do well with McCain as president, especially if he has many of the same policies as you?
GWB: My policies helped to get this country to the point that its at right now, so don't even think about insulting a man who holds the same fundamental beliefs as me!
DD: I'm not even going to get into what your policies have done to this country. Last question. What are your plans now?
GWB: Well, I plan to travel the good ol' US of A, talking to the childrens about the importance of a good education. Then I'll talk to the OB-GYNs around the country about the importance of practicing their love with women. America has misunderestimated me, and I'll prove that I'm one of the greatest American leaders in the past 8 years.
DD: Thank you President Bush, we look forward to January 20th
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
website reaction
I read an article that i found on cyberjournalist.net about the Gates/Seinfeld Microsoft ads, and how they differed so much in viewers from the "I'm a PC" ads. The article dealt with the difference in viral efficiency of both ads, and how the Gates ad was so much more successful because it evoked response on the web. From what the ad said, the comments on the Gates video had more adjectives, while the "I'm a PC" ads had more nouns, showing that the Gates ad had more of an emotional effect on viewers.
The problem I had with this article was a lack of visuals. Although there was one small picture at the beginning, there was nothing for the reader to watch or look at, unless you clicked the links which took you to a new site to view the videos. I thought this was interesting that they decided not to simply incorporate those videos into the actual article.
The problem I had with this article was a lack of visuals. Although there was one small picture at the beginning, there was nothing for the reader to watch or look at, unless you clicked the links which took you to a new site to view the videos. I thought this was interesting that they decided not to simply incorporate those videos into the actual article.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
interactivenarratives.org
At first glance, I thought that this site seemed a little simple, but in looking at some of the cool interactive articles that they have posted, I'm more intrigued by it, and I like the simplicity, because it doesn't overtake the point, which is to show interesting articles from around the web. I looked at the Torrey Pines interactive tour, in anticipation of the US Open. I like how they incorporated both photos and map-style views of the course, to give you an overall feel of how it's set up, and even going so far as to show where it is on the city map. I thought it was a very simple yet clever design that seemed easily implemented.
Rock the Vote Draws a Small Crowd
HAMDEN, Conn.-- MTV's Rock the Vote campaign has been a staple of the American youth voter movement for close to 20 years. Quinnipiac joined the cause this past weekend, holding a small rally for the students in Buckman Theater.
The turnout was good for a political event on campus, with about 100 students showing up at first.
The major setback came when the two hosts, Syrus and Brooke from The Real World, showed up over an hour late, which caused many students to leave after registering.
"The event went a lot better than I expected, considering the circumstances," said Mark Miller, the Student Programming Board's chair for the event. "Although a lot of people left because of the celebrities being late, we managed to get a lot of them to register first."
Many students were surprised by the hosts' knowledge of the issues and the candidates' stances on them.
"I was really impressed that they were genuinely interested in the topic and that they knew a lot about both Obama and McCain," said Glenn Stark, a junior at Quinnipiac.
"Overall I would say it was a success," said Miller.
This event is just one of the many that Quinnipiac organizations are planning on holding as the election draws nearer, so keep reading for updates as November 4th approaches.
The turnout was good for a political event on campus, with about 100 students showing up at first.
The major setback came when the two hosts, Syrus and Brooke from The Real World, showed up over an hour late, which caused many students to leave after registering.
"The event went a lot better than I expected, considering the circumstances," said Mark Miller, the Student Programming Board's chair for the event. "Although a lot of people left because of the celebrities being late, we managed to get a lot of them to register first."
Many students were surprised by the hosts' knowledge of the issues and the candidates' stances on them.
"I was really impressed that they were genuinely interested in the topic and that they knew a lot about both Obama and McCain," said Glenn Stark, a junior at Quinnipiac.
"Overall I would say it was a success," said Miller.
This event is just one of the many that Quinnipiac organizations are planning on holding as the election draws nearer, so keep reading for updates as November 4th approaches.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
QU Republicans are Looking Stronger than Ever
Brett McKane
Staff Writer
HAMDEN, Conn.-- Republican students are often seen as the minority on many college campuses. Quinnipiac University does not differ from that standard. One student, however, is leading the charge toward bipartisan beliefs on campus.
QU Republicans is a political group on campus that works toward promoting student participation in elections at the local, state, and national levels, and this year membership is on the rise.
"I just recently sent out a mass email to about 150 members, a number even I wasn't expecting," said Katelyn Bermudez, president of QU Republicans. "Usually the number starts to decline as the semester goes on, but I know that's one of the higher totals we've had in recent years."
The group is not only focused on gaining members, but promoting awareness across campus about upcoming dates and important election information.
"We really want to make sure that all of the out-of-state students on this campus know when and how to get their absentee ballots, and how to send them in," said Bermudez. "We're confident that the upcoming events that we have planned will really change this school's mindset when it comes to being politically active."
In fact, this Friday, Quinnipiac is holding a Rock the Vote rally on campus featuring two members of the Real World on MTV. Coverage of that event will come next week.
Staff Writer
HAMDEN, Conn.-- Republican students are often seen as the minority on many college campuses. Quinnipiac University does not differ from that standard. One student, however, is leading the charge toward bipartisan beliefs on campus.
QU Republicans is a political group on campus that works toward promoting student participation in elections at the local, state, and national levels, and this year membership is on the rise.
"I just recently sent out a mass email to about 150 members, a number even I wasn't expecting," said Katelyn Bermudez, president of QU Republicans. "Usually the number starts to decline as the semester goes on, but I know that's one of the higher totals we've had in recent years."
The group is not only focused on gaining members, but promoting awareness across campus about upcoming dates and important election information.
"We really want to make sure that all of the out-of-state students on this campus know when and how to get their absentee ballots, and how to send them in," said Bermudez. "We're confident that the upcoming events that we have planned will really change this school's mindset when it comes to being politically active."
In fact, this Friday, Quinnipiac is holding a Rock the Vote rally on campus featuring two members of the Real World on MTV. Coverage of that event will come next week.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
QU Democrats Pushing for Change
Brett McKane
Staff Writer
HAMDEN, Conn. -- Quinnipiac University has often been considered one of the most apathetic schools in America. The Princeton Review even ranked it as high as number two in 2006, and it is believed the school now rests around number five. However, as the 2008 presidential election nears, it's clear to at least one student that change is on the horizon.
Many groups on campus are hoping to fix the school's collective mindset about the importance of being politically active. With this election's focus on "change," it's only fitting that the motivation is stronger than ever.
"We really want to get out there this year and inform people, because it's a big year for America and the Democratic process," said Mark Bouchard, president of QU Democrats. "We'll have multiple tables set up around campus, and we're co-sponsoring the voter registration drive that's happening in a few weeks."
Bouchard sees the school stepping in the right direction, after having the biggest group of new members ever this year.
"Our sign-up list at the involvement fair went from tiny to huge this year," said Bouchard. "We've already had a couple of students go to a rally in Hamden over the weekend, and we haven't even had our first meeting!"
QU still has a long way to go to be considered a "politically active" school, but Bouchard and the rest of the QU Democrats are doing their part to inject some "change" on campus.
Staff Writer
HAMDEN, Conn. -- Quinnipiac University has often been considered one of the most apathetic schools in America. The Princeton Review even ranked it as high as number two in 2006, and it is believed the school now rests around number five. However, as the 2008 presidential election nears, it's clear to at least one student that change is on the horizon.
Many groups on campus are hoping to fix the school's collective mindset about the importance of being politically active. With this election's focus on "change," it's only fitting that the motivation is stronger than ever.
"We really want to get out there this year and inform people, because it's a big year for America and the Democratic process," said Mark Bouchard, president of QU Democrats. "We'll have multiple tables set up around campus, and we're co-sponsoring the voter registration drive that's happening in a few weeks."
Bouchard sees the school stepping in the right direction, after having the biggest group of new members ever this year.
"Our sign-up list at the involvement fair went from tiny to huge this year," said Bouchard. "We've already had a couple of students go to a rally in Hamden over the weekend, and we haven't even had our first meeting!"
QU still has a long way to go to be considered a "politically active" school, but Bouchard and the rest of the QU Democrats are doing their part to inject some "change" on campus.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Story ideas and links
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x2929.xml
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x2882.xml?ReleaseID=1210
I really want to examine the impact this election is having on our campus, and how it may change the public's view of the school as being apathetic.
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x2882.xml?ReleaseID=1210
I really want to examine the impact this election is having on our campus, and how it may change the public's view of the school as being apathetic.
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