Reporters in the Line of Fire

IDC 4U1: Journal Entry Question #10

Why do journalists struggle so hard, sometimes even risking their own lives, to get the story? Is it worth endangering ones' life to get the scoop?

When I think about a career as a local news reporter, my first thought usually isn't that it's a dangerous job. It’d never occured to me that sharing stories about things that happen in and around one’s community was a frightening task. The video of Peter Silverman’s encounter with the angry businessman, however, quickly changed my opinion.

In the video, Silverman was in the processes of investigating an optometrist who had reportedly been selling counterfeit glasses. When he arrived at the man’s store, the 75-year-old City TV reporter was physically assaulted before he’d even had the chance to introduce himself. Adam Plimmer, the store owner, forcefully smacked the door in Silverman’s face, hurled a stack of papers – as well as a few snowballs – at him, and threw numerous punches his way, all the while yelling obscenities at the poor reporter. His behaviour was truly disgusting.

Nowadays, for the sake of keeping the masses informed, journalists must face adversity, often in situations that one would not expect to be harmful or unsafe. When did talking to a store owner about his/her policies become a task that necessitates the employment of a bodyguard?

Journalists struggle so hard, sometimes risking their own lives, to deliver the truth to the populace. They are forced to deal with oppressive governments, police brutality, ardent nationalists, fervent activists, and unruly people with unreasonably short fuses.

A reporter’s mission is to inform others of the truth. It is a noble profession and those who occupy it should be treated with respect. Why, then, is that not the case? All Peter Silverman had been trying to do was investigate a situation in which a few unsuspecting women had been taken advantage of. He’d been trying to correct an injustice and had literally been forced to fight for his cause. In instances like these, it is most definitely not worth risking one’s life to get the scoop.

Are Wii the Children of the Revolution?

IDC 4U1: Journal Entry Question #9

There has been quite a bit of hype surrounding the new Nintendo Wii gaming system. Some say that the Wii's ability to "democratize" gaming for people of all ages and abilities is revolutionary. Do you think this is a true technological revolution or just hype? Please defend your opinion.

The Wii - originally codenamed the Nintendo Revolution - was released for sale in North America on November 19th, 2006. Selling close to 600,000 consoles in its first week alone, this gaming system has most definitely begun to revolutionize the home console market. Nintendo’s revolution, however, really began in 2004, when the company released its two-screen hand-held, the Nintendo DS. The massive popularity inspired an expansion of Nintendo’s philosophy; instead of targeting one key demographic, the company made it their mission to entice consumers of all different age groups and skill levels. They came up with new technological innovations, moved towards sleeker interfaces (a strategy Apple has used for its iPod), and created numerous games that appealed to a much wider variety of people. This brand new approach to developing and marketing game consoles essentially paved the way for the considerable success of the Wii.

Nintendo used all the same strategies they’d used when the DS had been released to build the bona fide hype that is currently surrounding the Wii. They created a console that is aesthetically pleasing, utilizes innovative technology, and offers its consumers an assortment of games. The system features a motion-sensitive controller that can recognize itself in 3D space and is also much less costly than the competing seventh generation consoles, due to the fact that it is not capable of producing HD graphics. Additionally, they changed the original name from the “Revolution” to the less intimidating and easy-to-remember “Wii” – an all-inclusive name (“Wii” sounds like “we”) that everyone can pronounce. Finally, it was packaged with a game called Wii Sports – a game that is easy enough for anyone to pick up and play.

Not only is it a major advancement in the world of videogame technology, it is also revolutionary in that it attracts a wide variety of buyers. From parents to children, from seasoned gaming veterans to new beginners, everyone wants to own a Wii! I’m no techno-savvy gamer but, whenever I’ve had the chance to give this super console a spin, I’ve leapt at it! It may not necessarily spark a revolution (though, personally, I believe that all next generation consoles from Nintendo’s competitors will include some version of a Wiimote), but it’s definitely more than just hype. It has surpassed the expectations of many and proven itself as a more than worthwhile investment. I know I plan to buy a Wii… if I can ever get my hands on one, that is.

The Taste of Success

IDC 4U1: Journal Entry Question #8

In the style of a cooking recipe, you will concoct a recipe for "Success as a Mary Ward Student." Supporting artwork encouraged.

In order to be successful as a Mary Ward student, it is essential to possess all the following ingredients with their correct measurements.

1. Responsibility: An ingredient that separates the outstanding students from the members of the hallwalking club. Not only does it appeal to teachers, it enables you to protect the various items that are necessary for your success. Without responsibility, you would lose your unit guides and miss out on various benefits that are only presented to those who possess this quality in abundance.
2. Dedication: This is perhaps the most important element when it comes to being successful at MWCSS. With this characteristic, students are known to attend their classes, be prompt for morning TA, remain in areas, hand in units, and complete courses. Without it, they can be very tempted to veer off track, due to the numerous and ever-present distractions that surround them. If this ingredient is not available, substitute with discipline but be sure to add a tablespoon or so of punctuality.
3. Time Management: During every presentation geared towards student success, this quality is mentioned at least once. Time management enables students to remain as efficient as possible because they recognize that there is ample opportunity not only to complete their courses, but also to have some fun in the process. They will never forget to write tests, consult with teachers, attend seminars and TA interviews, or meet target dates. Time management skills - increased by the use of an agenda - make for a content, accomplished, and fulfilled student. (Note: organization can be used as an alternative.)
4. Ambition: An element that defines whether a student fulfills his/her potential. Similar to motivation, ambition is what drives a student to succeed. If the appropriate amount is included, it will manifest itself as a desire to do well academically.
5. Desire to Learn: Another vital component, the desire to learn at Mary Ward is absolutely essential. If a student doesn't want to learn, school work will be seen as something he/she is forced to do rather than a task he/she wants to complete. This will most definitely lead to a decrease in his/her production and a probable future as highschool dropout or a fifth-/sixth-year student.
6. Optimism: When everything seems like it's falling apart, this can be one of the most important ingredients in the mix. An optimistic student, rather than a pessimistic one, is a lot more successful in stressful times - June Rush, for example - at this unique school. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking.
7. Enthusiasm: Though this is optional, it may be useful to include; it enhances the flavour of ingredient #5.
8. A Social Life: Necessary only in small doses for the majority of his/her time at Mary Ward, a social life gives a student motivation. When you have events to look forward to (ie. dances, trips, competitions, parties), you are more likely to complete school-related tasks so that you will be able to more easily enjoy the aforementioned events. Measure carefully - too much will ruin a good batch!

If they are not all present or properly replaced, the recipe listed below could go very wrong. With that said, happy baking!

Dianna’s Secret Recipe for Success at Mary Ward

Ingredients:

• ½ cup responsibility, softened
• 2 cups dedication, sifted
• 1 cup time management skills
• ¾ cup good quality ambition
• 2 tbsp desire to learn
• 1 tsp optimism
• ½ tsp enthusiasm (optional)
• Drizzle with a social life, if desired

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour one human-sized pan.
2. In a pan on low heat, melt the responsibility with the ambition; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together time management skills and desire to learn until light and fluffy. Add the cooled mixture, stirring until incorporated.
4. Mix the dedication, optimism, and enthusiasm together and pour into large bowl. With an electric mixer, blend on medium speed for two to three minutes.
5. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Makes 12 servings.

Fraud, Lies & Photoshop (II)

IDC 4U1: Journal Entry Question #4

Reuters is an international, mainstream news provider. What does such an incident do for Reuters' reputation? What do you think about the fact that a blogger (an independent journalist) was the first to uncover the story? How does this change your view of mainstream media vs. independent media?

In 2006, a well-respected mainstream news provider presented the public with a photograph of bombing in Lebanon. This photo, taken by Adnan Hajj and published by Reuters, was obviously doctored. Evidently, Hajj – a photographer who had worked for Reuters for more than 10 years – used a photo editing program (presumably PhotoShop) to add more smoke to his image.

Reuters purportedly has a news-gathering policy which states that a group of production editors scrutinize their news services to ensure that quality standards are maintained. If that photo had really been scrutinized by a group of editors, I’d suggest that they get their eyes checked. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Hajj’s photograph was doctored. So it begs the question: with such obvious modifications made to the photo, how could Reuters have printed it?

The answer? Who knows! Whatever the reason, it hardly matters at this point because people seem to have forgotten about the entire ordeal. As is evident by the fact that Reuters is still thriving, the incident didn’t damage the company’s reputation very much, if at all.

The fact that a blogger was the first to uncover the truth, though, may have effected the public in some way. Is it possible that people will pay more attention to news that comes from independent sources? I’d like to say yes but, given that mainstream media is much more readily available, I doubt it.

Independent and mainstream media are so different that I don’t think they should even be compared to each other. Mainstream media, especially in the United States, constantly tries to feed its viewers a certain point of view – theirs. Generally, independent journalists don’t have to serve a higher power, so to speak, meaning that the information they present us with tends to have less of a one-sided bias. Well, that's as far as I know, in any case.

Fraud, Lies & Photoshop

IDC 4U1: Journal Entry Question #2

In photojournalism, when is it appropriate to use PhotoShop? When is it not appropriate? Does altering the photograph mean altering the truth?

A photojournalist’s job, through the medium of photography, is to document life and deliver accurate news to the public. After all, the camera never lies… or does it? With the advent of photo editing software, it has become increasingly difficult to find a picture that hasn’t, in some manner, been altered. Photos are cropped, brightened, sharpened, blurred – sometimes even changed entirely – to suit various needs. Given the ability to modify photos in any way one pleases, where should a photojournalist draw the line?

All adjustments made to a photograph alter the truth. Any modification, no matter how insignificant, changes what the photo is depicting and thus attempts to change the facts. For example, if one were to take a picture at a park and later use photo editing software to adjust the brightness of said photo, he/she would be conveying the message that the weather was sunnier than it actually was at the time the picture had been taken. Granted, it really doesn’t matter how brightly the sun was shining, but that doesn’t change the fact that adjusting the brightness caused a misrepresentation of the truth. Misrepresentations such as these, however, don’t pose any harm when it comes to the news. At least, I don’t think they do.

The only qualms I have with editing photos are when pictures like the one of Beirut’s fictional smoke plumes, taken by Adnan Hajj, are published by otherwise reliable news providers. The way in which the photographer manipulated the photo was completely unethical and the fact that a reputable company would publish such a blatant alteration is beyond me. There is no place for this kind of photo editing in the news.

In my opinion, software such as PhotoShop should be used to enhance photographs rather than alter their subject matter. It is only appropriate to make small changes to pictures, such as adjusting the sharpness or contrast, when they are to be shared with the world. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words but, if a picture distorts the truth, it is worthless.

Word Up!

IDC 4U1: Journal Entry Question #1

The voices of youth are vital to the field of journalism. As young journalists, you have an important role in "representing" the diverse attitudes, opinions, and beliefs of your generation. Visit Young Peoples' Press, read one of the featured articles and write an entry about it.

Why does thin have to be in?

This article, written by Kaylin Taggart, is essentially about how hard it is for women to have positive body images when society is constantly telling them that they have to be thin.

In the article, Taggart tells the story of a young woman named Tierney Wallace. Wallace, a freshman at Broome Community College, struggled with an eating disorder a few years ago. She forced herself to live on a diet wherein she was allowed to consume a maximum of 400 calories per day.

While she was on this thoroughly unhealthy diet, she began to lose weight. She was frequently receiving compliments from others, making it difficult for her to seek help; she feared that doctors would force her to eat and all the attention she had been getting for her thin figure would disappear.

Eventually, she became very frail and started to lose muscle mass, due to the fact that her metabolism had virtually shut down. She finally decided to seek treatment for her illness and made a successful recovery, with the help of family and friends.

Tierney Wallace, like many other woman, wanted to live up to society’s current – and unrealistic – standards of beauty. According to Taggart, “she looked at other people and saw them as beautiful, attractive and skinny. She looked in the mirror and saw ugly and fat.”

Mainstream media is, of course, the reason every woman wants to be thin. We are constantly inundated with images of bony fashion models and slender celebs. Every other add features a tiny, scantilly-clad female showcasing some product or other. Even perfectly healthy girls have tried to lose the extra five or ten pounds to look better in their clothing – clothing that fit just fine in the first place. Who else is to blame, really, for the fact that one out of every hundred teenage girls has anorexia? Though I can’t say for sure, I’m almost certain that eating disorders weren’t as big a problem back when Marilyn Monroe’s figure was society’s ideal.

With regards to this subject, I think that the opinions of youth and adults don’t vary too greatly. I think that most people, whether they’re 18 or 42, are aware of the fact that society dictates what is beautiful and that, right now, society says that thin is in.

Bonjour. Aloha. Buenos Dias.

So this is what it's like to have a blog. Interesting - I'm having a sudden asianavenue.com flashblack... I love it! Anyway, I just thought I'd try this out, seeing as June Rush is fast approaching & I've still got a ton of j-units to hand in.

I'm gettin' there, however slowly. I will make it... I hope.

Good night!