My experience at the FOX61 news station on election night was a memory I will not soon forget. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had since I came to Quinnipiac. Although there weren't many things related to my major, print journalism, I got to learn how many things work behind the scenes of an average news cast. It was amazing to meet the on air personalities which so many people in Connecticut know and love, even though I was not familiar with them prior to the visit. To be able to sit so close to the set; actually on the morning show set, was so interesting. You are able to see the slightest mistakes and the most important, necessary moves made by the crew and cast. I actually enjoyed sitting in front of the computer twittering right next to the producer. It was interesting to see how information is obtained behind the scenes. I can only imagine how amazing it must feel to actually break a story and be the one news stations are calling for the information. Being in the production booth was also an amazing experience. There was so much going on that it was a bit overwhelming, and to see the people who actually make the magic happen at work was extremely interesting. It was good to see Rick Hancock again as well, especially seeing him on television. The way they conducted the online chats was very informative, although there was much technical difficulty. The stress level of the employees was through the roof, as one could imagine on such an important night, and it was inspiring to see everyone work together and hide their frustration. I also enjoyed watching the weather man at work and seeing how a camera really does add pounds to a person.
The most rewarding experience for me of the whole night was talking to Rich Coppola, the sports anchor. He was one of the coolest guys at the station, and it is a shame that he is stuck in such a small, messy room. I understand that Connecticut doesn't have a sports market outside of the UCONN Huskies, but a man with his credibility deserves to be taken care of just as well as the weather man or the field reporters. He told me stories and memorable moments in his career, and he only further enhanced my desire to be a sportswriter. Since he was a Yankee fan, we positively talked about sports for a little while. He went on to explain how things in the news room work for his position and we looked at some film he was going over. He gave me his card and told me that if I was ever interested in an internship after graduation, to call him. This opportunity was greater than I could have asked for. To be able to attend and almost take part in such a monmumental night in history is unforgettable, and I look forward to pursuing a career in news, even more than before. Also, thanks to Rich Coppola, I am more interested in sports journalism than I have ever been.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
McCain Reveals Economic Plan
On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, just one day after Barack Obama, Senator John McCain released his $52.5 billion economic plan aimed at easing financial distress on the nation’s workers, unemployed and elderly.
McCain strongly criticized Obama’s previously proposed policies, and stated that Obama, who has proposed tax cuts for 95 percent of American families, would actually raise taxes. McCain proposed that people ages 59 and up who withdraw money from IRAs or 401(k) retirement plans in 2008 and 2009 pay a tax rate of 10 percent on the money rather than their higher normal rates.
“Not everyone has 401(k)’s or retirement plans. It seems that McCain is only proposing to take care of the wealthier half of America. Obama is at least talking about catering to the majority; the middle and lower classes,” said New York City public school teacher, Eileen Byrne.
That part of the plan would cost $36 billion, based on the McCain campaign’s estimation. He is proposing a reduction in the tax on long-term capital gains to 7.5percent from 15 percent in 2009 and 2010 at an estimated cost of $10 billion.
McCain is also striving for speeding up the process in the tax write-off for stock losses, allowing Americans to subtract $15,000 in losses a year for the tax years 2008 and 2009, and current rules allow deductions up to $3,000 in losses. Along with that, he is pushing for a suspension on the tax on unemployment insurance benefits in 2008 and 2009, and a government guarantee on 100 percent of all savings accounts for six months.
“It sounds like it would be very beneficial. I know it’s cheaper than Obama’s plan, and I wonder where the money to fund these plans is coming from. At least McCain somewhat explained how the process of the tax deductions would work,” said ex-New York Police Officer, Patricia Mullins.
McCain strongly criticized Obama’s previously proposed policies, and stated that Obama, who has proposed tax cuts for 95 percent of American families, would actually raise taxes. McCain proposed that people ages 59 and up who withdraw money from IRAs or 401(k) retirement plans in 2008 and 2009 pay a tax rate of 10 percent on the money rather than their higher normal rates.
“Not everyone has 401(k)’s or retirement plans. It seems that McCain is only proposing to take care of the wealthier half of America. Obama is at least talking about catering to the majority; the middle and lower classes,” said New York City public school teacher, Eileen Byrne.
That part of the plan would cost $36 billion, based on the McCain campaign’s estimation. He is proposing a reduction in the tax on long-term capital gains to 7.5percent from 15 percent in 2009 and 2010 at an estimated cost of $10 billion.
McCain is also striving for speeding up the process in the tax write-off for stock losses, allowing Americans to subtract $15,000 in losses a year for the tax years 2008 and 2009, and current rules allow deductions up to $3,000 in losses. Along with that, he is pushing for a suspension on the tax on unemployment insurance benefits in 2008 and 2009, and a government guarantee on 100 percent of all savings accounts for six months.
“It sounds like it would be very beneficial. I know it’s cheaper than Obama’s plan, and I wonder where the money to fund these plans is coming from. At least McCain somewhat explained how the process of the tax deductions would work,” said ex-New York Police Officer, Patricia Mullins.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Will Obama's Economic Plan Help Americans?
On Monday, October 13, Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama unveiled his new economic proposals to address the current economic crisis, despite the October 3rd passing of the Senate’s revised $700 billion bailout plan
Obama is calling for temporary but costly new programs to help employers, automakers, homeowners, the unemployed, and state and local governments. He has proposed giving employers a $3,000 tax credit for each new employee to encourage job creation. He said he would seek to allow Americans of all ages to borrow from retirement savings without a tax penalty, to eliminate income taxes on unemployment benefits and to double, to $50 billion, the government’s loan guarantees for automakers.
Obama called on the Treasury and the Federal Reserve to lend money to cities and states with economic problems. He also proposed a 90-day moratorium on home foreclosures, which would require financial institutions that take government help not to act against homeowners who are at least trying to make payments.
The total cost of the full economic plan is estimated at around $175 billion, including $60 billion for the steps more recently announced. Of the earlier $115 billion, $50 billion would be used to help states to speed the construction of roads and other projects that create jobs. The other $65 billion would be the cost of a second round of rebates to taxpayers this year.
Pat O’Brien is a hard working blue collar man of New York City, who supports his family of three on an automobile mechanic’s modest salary. Along with his wife, Marie, they combine to make $50,000 annually. Marie recently received a new job as a secretary at Manhattan College, and she is looking forward to receiving the $3,000 tax credit from Obama’s plan.
The O’Brien’s currently rent their small, two-bedroom co-operative apartment in the North Bronx, and for years, Pat has been trying to save up and acquire loans so he and his family can afford to buy the apartment and own in permanently. Due to Obama’s $50 billion guaranteed loans to automakers, this dream is looking more and more possible. The moratorium will no doubt help the O’Brien’s and give them more time to make payments on their newly owned home.
Pat and Marie have made it clear that they will be voting for Obama in the upcoming election, and his new economic plan provides them and many other American families with security and peace of mind.
Obama is calling for temporary but costly new programs to help employers, automakers, homeowners, the unemployed, and state and local governments. He has proposed giving employers a $3,000 tax credit for each new employee to encourage job creation. He said he would seek to allow Americans of all ages to borrow from retirement savings without a tax penalty, to eliminate income taxes on unemployment benefits and to double, to $50 billion, the government’s loan guarantees for automakers.
Obama called on the Treasury and the Federal Reserve to lend money to cities and states with economic problems. He also proposed a 90-day moratorium on home foreclosures, which would require financial institutions that take government help not to act against homeowners who are at least trying to make payments.
The total cost of the full economic plan is estimated at around $175 billion, including $60 billion for the steps more recently announced. Of the earlier $115 billion, $50 billion would be used to help states to speed the construction of roads and other projects that create jobs. The other $65 billion would be the cost of a second round of rebates to taxpayers this year.
Pat O’Brien is a hard working blue collar man of New York City, who supports his family of three on an automobile mechanic’s modest salary. Along with his wife, Marie, they combine to make $50,000 annually. Marie recently received a new job as a secretary at Manhattan College, and she is looking forward to receiving the $3,000 tax credit from Obama’s plan.
The O’Brien’s currently rent their small, two-bedroom co-operative apartment in the North Bronx, and for years, Pat has been trying to save up and acquire loans so he and his family can afford to buy the apartment and own in permanently. Due to Obama’s $50 billion guaranteed loans to automakers, this dream is looking more and more possible. The moratorium will no doubt help the O’Brien’s and give them more time to make payments on their newly owned home.
Pat and Marie have made it clear that they will be voting for Obama in the upcoming election, and his new economic plan provides them and many other American families with security and peace of mind.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Looking for Secretary of the State
Middle aged African American man looking for an attractive middle aged Caucasian woman with a stable family, as well as an open mind and Democratic values. She must be well educated and a good speaker who gets the point across. One must fully support a universal health care plan in which everybody is in, and nobody is left out. One must be aware of the implications of Roe vs. Wade, and should agree for health insurance to cover female contraceptives. She must feel that child safety locks should be on all firearms, and must oppose the sale or transfer of semi-automatic weapons while increasing restrictions on purchasing of firearms. One must be in favor of a tax cut for the poor and middle class. Lastly, one should strive for higher pay for teachers; pay based on merit, and should oppose vouchers being used for private schools, because it undermines public schools. All these beliefs and characteristics would make a great Secretary of the State and would greatly help serve the country.
Monday, October 6, 2008
A Ray of Hope - Interactive Narratives
Through ESPN, Interactive Narratives published a link to a story about Jason Ray, a former mascot for the North Carolina Tar Heels who was killed alongside a road in New Jersey before a UNC basketball game. This package talks about his life, his death and his decision made long ago to donate his organs. Besides this piece being very emotional, it was done very well. Interactive narratives posts the link to the story with a short, provocative passage and a picture and title that caught my eye. Being a big fan of college basketball, I immediatley recognized the story when I saw the picture of Jason in his mascot costume. The story highlights his life, the unfornuate circumstances of his tragic death and the reprocussions, and the few people whose lives have been saved because of Jason's organs. The page is very graphic and there are many links to click on so you can watch vidoes, photo galleries and podcasts. Despite the passages being somewhat long, the piece is well mapped out and enhances the readers interest in the story. The many pictures throughout the story also help piece together everything for lazy readers who only want to skim the story. Overall, this is a great piece for interactive narratives to list on their website.
sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=rayofhope
sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=rayofhope
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
MTV's "Rock the Vote" at Quinnipiac
The highly apathetic Quinnipiac University has been making efforts to increase the political awareness of its students for years, and the student programming board organized “Rock the Vote” on Friday in Alumni Hall.
In total, there were just over 80 students in attendance and about 30 of the attendees were there for a class. The guest speakers were an hour late due to transportation issues, and only approximately 50 students returned after the delay. When asked about the large amount of empty seats, co-coordinator Mark Miller replied, “I thought there would be a bunch more people. I guess Friday night isn’t a great time to have a program.”
“Rock the Vote” is an MTV inspired idea, which uses music and popular culture to increase political awareness among young adults and encourage them to vote. Two guests from a popular reality television series made a special appearance at the event. Cyrus and Brooke, two cast members from MTV’s Real World: Denver, with the help of Quinnipiac Democratic and Republican committees came to explain to students the importance of every vote.
“I honestly came to see Brooke and Cyrus. I don’t know that much about politics, so I figured this was a good way for me to learn a little and meet them. I think most people that are here are here to see them anyway,” said junior business major Laura Murphy.
“I like to get involved with politics here at school, so I thought I would come check it out, but I don’t think people from the Real World are real appropriate for something like this. They got randomly picked for a reality show. If those are the people that students are actually influenced by, that’s sad,” said junior education major Matt Tremper.
www.rockthevote.com
In total, there were just over 80 students in attendance and about 30 of the attendees were there for a class. The guest speakers were an hour late due to transportation issues, and only approximately 50 students returned after the delay. When asked about the large amount of empty seats, co-coordinator Mark Miller replied, “I thought there would be a bunch more people. I guess Friday night isn’t a great time to have a program.”
“Rock the Vote” is an MTV inspired idea, which uses music and popular culture to increase political awareness among young adults and encourage them to vote. Two guests from a popular reality television series made a special appearance at the event. Cyrus and Brooke, two cast members from MTV’s Real World: Denver, with the help of Quinnipiac Democratic and Republican committees came to explain to students the importance of every vote.
“I honestly came to see Brooke and Cyrus. I don’t know that much about politics, so I figured this was a good way for me to learn a little and meet them. I think most people that are here are here to see them anyway,” said junior business major Laura Murphy.
“I like to get involved with politics here at school, so I thought I would come check it out, but I don’t think people from the Real World are real appropriate for something like this. They got randomly picked for a reality show. If those are the people that students are actually influenced by, that’s sad,” said junior education major Matt Tremper.
www.rockthevote.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Interactive Narratives
Interactive Narratives is a good site if you are looking for a visual explanation, rather than reading about what happened. Also, it strikes me odd that all of the stories on interactive narratives are from other credible news sources. I suppose that this is good, because people know the news will be reliable if it is from The New York Times and USA Today. I was expecting an online news source that would have articles, written by reporters working for the website, instead of video graphics from other credible news sources, showing or explaining a certain event. It seems as though anyone can do this, so interactive narratives doesn't seem like that good of a news source. However, most people probably understand better if the story is laid out in front of them step by step, with virtual graphics to show what basically happened. An example of this would be:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/05/30/nyregion/20080530_CRANE_GRAPHIC.html#
The story of the crane, which killed two and hurt several others, is fully mapped out by this interactive graphic. The story is shown step by step, with small passages explaining what happened as well. Overall, this is a very good idea to show people the news, but I believe that true journalism is best portrayed with words, not pictures. Interactive Narratives is somewhat effective, but I wouldn't consider it online journalism.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/05/30/nyregion/20080530_CRANE_GRAPHIC.html#
The story of the crane, which killed two and hurt several others, is fully mapped out by this interactive graphic. The story is shown step by step, with small passages explaining what happened as well. Overall, this is a very good idea to show people the news, but I believe that true journalism is best portrayed with words, not pictures. Interactive Narratives is somewhat effective, but I wouldn't consider it online journalism.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Presidential Candidates' Policies on Pot
The issue of decriminalization and legalization of marijuana is a small issue in the 2008 presidential election. Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain, as well as the third party candidates, all vary in their policies towards the issues surrounding marijuana.
In 2004, Obama said, “In terms of legalization of drugs, I think the war on drugs has been an utter failure. I think we need to rethink and decriminalize our marijuana laws. But I’m not someone who believes in legalization of marijuana.” With regards to medical marijuana, he believes that it can be necessary, but only if it is scientifically proven to have a positive effect. Obama is also against the incarceration of current medical marijuana users, and believes that medical marijuana should be subject to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
While McCain agrees with Obama on the issue of the arrests of medical marijuana users, he is entirely against all reformation of marijuana laws, as well as medical marijuana use. McCain strongly frowns upon marijuana, and believes that there are other, healthier alternatives to relieving pain.
Libertarian candidate Bob Barr believes that the issue of marijuana use should be determined on whether or not America wants a government that is so powerful that it can tell you what to do in the privacy of your own home.
The Green party candidate, Cynthia McKinney is for legalization of industrial hemp and all its uses, and the decriminalization of all victimless crimes, which includes possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Independent candidate Ralph Nader believes that marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco and that it should be “brought into a system of regulation and taxation”, which “would provide greater control over purity, potency, labeling, health warnings and age restrictions than the current ‘war on marijuana’ approach.”
In 2004, Obama said, “In terms of legalization of drugs, I think the war on drugs has been an utter failure. I think we need to rethink and decriminalize our marijuana laws. But I’m not someone who believes in legalization of marijuana.” With regards to medical marijuana, he believes that it can be necessary, but only if it is scientifically proven to have a positive effect. Obama is also against the incarceration of current medical marijuana users, and believes that medical marijuana should be subject to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
While McCain agrees with Obama on the issue of the arrests of medical marijuana users, he is entirely against all reformation of marijuana laws, as well as medical marijuana use. McCain strongly frowns upon marijuana, and believes that there are other, healthier alternatives to relieving pain.
Libertarian candidate Bob Barr believes that the issue of marijuana use should be determined on whether or not America wants a government that is so powerful that it can tell you what to do in the privacy of your own home.
The Green party candidate, Cynthia McKinney is for legalization of industrial hemp and all its uses, and the decriminalization of all victimless crimes, which includes possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Independent candidate Ralph Nader believes that marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco and that it should be “brought into a system of regulation and taxation”, which “would provide greater control over purity, potency, labeling, health warnings and age restrictions than the current ‘war on marijuana’ approach.”
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Only-Online Journalism
Online journalism is a great means of distributing the news to a worldwide audience, on a constant time-frame. Anyone with computer could find out what is happening in the world at any given moment, and that accessibility is necessary for this ever growing and ever changing world. Another positve factor of online journalism is that it helps the environment, which is presently a big concern in the 2008 presidential election. However, despite the positives of online journalism, the idea of only-online journalism doesn't seem like a reliable media business, simply because there is no means of making money besides advertisements. It might be able to work in a small, moderatley wealthy suburb, where almost everyone has a computer, but the small town paper might not be able to have enough advertisements to pay the employees. I big city would most likely not have a problem with advertisements, but the news would not be fairly distributed, because of the large amount of people without computers. Cyberjournalist.net does a good job of laying the news right in front of you, but there are too many people out there without computers. Also, it doesnt seem like there are enough ads to make enough money to pay the writers. Even people in poverty need to read the news, and reporting the news is more about dispersing the facts to everyone than making money.
Obama and McCain on the Legal Drinking Age
Changing of the legal drinking age is becoming a relevant issue up for debate in the upcoming presidential election between Barack Obama and John McCain. Since 1984, the legal age to consume alcohol has been 21 years of age, and now there is a possibility it will be lowered to 18.
“What is the difference? Most 18 year olds drink anyway. It isn’t fair that I can die for my country in a war, but I can’t have a beer with my father,” said Brendan O’Connor, a 19 year old junior at Quinnipiac University.
While McCain is in favor of lowering the drinking age, Obama is strongly against is, and he has plenty of reasons why. In a recent year, people aged 16 to 24 were involved in 28 percent of all alcohol-related driving accidents, although they make up only 14% of the U.S. population.
The risk of death for drivers in single-vehicle crashes with a high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 385 times that of a zero-BAC driver. For male drivers, the risk is 707 times that of a sober driver, according to estimates by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Fortunately, driving accidents have been declining among young people, and deaths associated with young drinking drivers (ages 16-24) are down dramatically, having dropped 47% in a recent 15-year period.
“As long as the kids aren’t driving, it usually isn’t a problem. 21 is too old. I think kids are drinking less than when they first changed it,” said Sgt. Sean McCarthy, 48, of the NYPD.
Although underage drinking rates have lowered over the past 20 years, the problems that result from it still plague America. The upcoming election will determine whether or not the legal age changes, and hopefully, the right decision will be made.
“What is the difference? Most 18 year olds drink anyway. It isn’t fair that I can die for my country in a war, but I can’t have a beer with my father,” said Brendan O’Connor, a 19 year old junior at Quinnipiac University.
While McCain is in favor of lowering the drinking age, Obama is strongly against is, and he has plenty of reasons why. In a recent year, people aged 16 to 24 were involved in 28 percent of all alcohol-related driving accidents, although they make up only 14% of the U.S. population.
The risk of death for drivers in single-vehicle crashes with a high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 385 times that of a zero-BAC driver. For male drivers, the risk is 707 times that of a sober driver, according to estimates by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Fortunately, driving accidents have been declining among young people, and deaths associated with young drinking drivers (ages 16-24) are down dramatically, having dropped 47% in a recent 15-year period.
“As long as the kids aren’t driving, it usually isn’t a problem. 21 is too old. I think kids are drinking less than when they first changed it,” said Sgt. Sean McCarthy, 48, of the NYPD.
Although underage drinking rates have lowered over the past 20 years, the problems that result from it still plague America. The upcoming election will determine whether or not the legal age changes, and hopefully, the right decision will be made.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQr9ezr8UeA
Barack Obama is often criticized for his inconsistent and sometimes unclear responses, and this video shows that. However, he isn't in favor of the outright legalization of marijuana. He believes that America has not done a good job handling marijuana's consequences and punishments. Obama will fight for stronger decriminalization, without making it officially legal. While other sources report that John McCain is out to legalize marijuana, he is the candidate who hasn't provided a clear answer to this question.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/03/09/alcohol_industry_ties_may_test_mccain/?page=2
Some would say that John McCain's opinion on the issue of the legal drinking age is biased due to his ties with the Anheuser-Busch company and distribution plant. His wife is chairwoman of the board, his son is the company's chief financial officer, and even McCain himself served as the chief publicist. George Hacker, director of the alcohol policies project at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, fears that federal regulators might become aware of McCain's industry ties and therefore go easy on beer distributors. McCain originally claimed that he was divided on the issue of lowering the drinking age. He brought up the fact that people can fight for their country at 18 but can't drink legally until 21. Like Obama, McCain now feels that the drinking age should remain at 21.
Monday, September 1, 2008
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/johnadriatico/gGBbRv
Barack Obama is a man who sticks to his beliefs and principles. In an MTV News interview with 23 year old Army Veteran Earnest Johnson, when asked about lowering the legal drinking age Obama replied, "I know it drives you nuts, but I am not going to lower the drinking age." He later went on to explain how much a few years difference can drastically lower the drunk driving incidents. Many would argue that the legal drinking age being 21 is unfair because of the numerous activities youths can take part in that supercede the maturity level of consuming a few beers. Citizens between the ages of 18-20 can purchase a firearm, drive a car, vote, serve in the military and take part in nearly every civil obligation. The problem with American youth is that they tend to binge drink. Many American teens go on trips to foreign countries simply because they are of the legal age to drink. Obama feels that having the drinking age at 21 is better than 18, because a bunch of frustrated teenagers is better than a bunch of dead ones. In my opinion, if I can fight for my country and kill someone, then I should be able to have a drink. Obama shows little faith in a generation that he could be sending off to war. Although his desicion may seem unfair, it appears to be the safest at this point in time.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Barack_Obama_Drugs.htm
Barack Obama is an honest man, and that is one characteristic that America needs in a president. He is not the first presidential candidate to use drugs and alcohol, but he admitted experimenting with cocaine and marijuana, as well as alcohol. During high school in that era, most people tried pot or booze. The fact that Obama admitted this makes me feel like he will always be honest if ever having to deal with presidential duties. Obama isn't trying to fool the voters, but trying to be on the same page as them. However, his style of acting like an everyday guy might not be what America wants in the white house. Some may think that just because he can admit his mistakes, doesn't mean they didn't happen.
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