Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Second Jaws Tweet
A very real shark attack of James Park in his rowboat @ Amity pond sets in a violent realization for the community: is no place safe?
Jaws Tweet
Locals & tourists swim madly in a frenzy of shock at a hoaxed shark sighting #kidsdothedarndestthings
Jaws attack piece
Fishermen gathered this afternoon with fish scraps and dynamite to hunt down a monstrous killer. In lieu of the deaths of two locals, many set sail to find the fish threatening Amity beaches.
The hunt was inspired by a reward of $3,000 for the shark that took is assumed to have taken the life of Alex Kitner, 10, and Chrissie Watson, 17. The reward was declared at the Amity town meeting that took place yesterday afternoon.
Along with local business owners and residents, Chief of Police, Martin S. Brody and Mayor Larry Vaughn were present at the meeting. The discussion commenced with Brody's plans to provide extra police watch on the beaches, but the concerns of the tourist town were summed up in a single question: will the beaches close?
Brody's announced that the beaches would be closing as roars of disapproval arose from the locals. Mayor Vaughn stepped in to reassure that the closing will only last for 24 hours.
"The beaches closing for 24 hours is like being closed for 3 weeks," said a local woman present.
The meeting closed with a local fisherman, Ben Quint, announcing his pursue for the shark.
"I'll catch this bird," said Quint. "But it aint gonna be easy."
Many fishermen stepped up this afternoon with similar aspirations to catch the shark that has been tormenting the town of Amity. The hunt resulted in the successful capture of a massive fish, identified by marine biologist, Matt Hooper.
The evidence is still under investigation as Hooper and Brody will further examine the shark for conclusive proof that this animal is responsible for the recent deaths.
The capture and kill of this shark will reopen local beaches for the busy Fourth of July weekend. Shark spotters from the Coast Guard, Marine Patrol, Massachusetts State Police, and others will be present to ensure the safety of all swimming.
Further shark sightings can and should be reported to authorities at 1-800-sharksee
The hunt was inspired by a reward of $3,000 for the shark that took is assumed to have taken the life of Alex Kitner, 10, and Chrissie Watson, 17. The reward was declared at the Amity town meeting that took place yesterday afternoon.
Along with local business owners and residents, Chief of Police, Martin S. Brody and Mayor Larry Vaughn were present at the meeting. The discussion commenced with Brody's plans to provide extra police watch on the beaches, but the concerns of the tourist town were summed up in a single question: will the beaches close?
Brody's announced that the beaches would be closing as roars of disapproval arose from the locals. Mayor Vaughn stepped in to reassure that the closing will only last for 24 hours.
"The beaches closing for 24 hours is like being closed for 3 weeks," said a local woman present.
The meeting closed with a local fisherman, Ben Quint, announcing his pursue for the shark.
"I'll catch this bird," said Quint. "But it aint gonna be easy."
Many fishermen stepped up this afternoon with similar aspirations to catch the shark that has been tormenting the town of Amity. The hunt resulted in the successful capture of a massive fish, identified by marine biologist, Matt Hooper.
The evidence is still under investigation as Hooper and Brody will further examine the shark for conclusive proof that this animal is responsible for the recent deaths.
The capture and kill of this shark will reopen local beaches for the busy Fourth of July weekend. Shark spotters from the Coast Guard, Marine Patrol, Massachusetts State Police, and others will be present to ensure the safety of all swimming.
Further shark sightings can and should be reported to authorities at 1-800-sharksee
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
A Picture Worth A Life
Scrolling through political and financial articles on the New York Times top news page, one headline sparked my immediate attention and interest: "After Fatal Subway Shove, Asking: Were There No Heroes?"
This generated a sense of morbid curiosity as I became absorbed in every word covering the tragic death of a man pushed onto the subway tracks in NYC. Full of vague expressions of defense, bystanders of the event justified their inability to assist the man facing an oncoming train. The results of these allegations came down to the fact that no one believed they COULD help.
The most interesting element was the wide-spread attack on an amateur student photographer who had captured the last moments of the man's life in a series of over 40 photos. These pictures made their way to publication for the public and resulted in a back lash of "instead of taking pictures, why weren't you trying to help him out?" This student faced the majority of the anger and disappointment of all who witnessed the event that day.
The student claimed the flashes of his camera were to warn the train conductor, that this was the action he was capable of during this tragic circumstance. But at the same time, this sparked a concern that I also feel while watching those commercials of starving third world children or reporters in the midst of any tragic event. There is a line of involvement when it comes to reporting. It's almost as if that line becomes invisible, that a reporter's job is to remain unbiased of a subject, removing themselves from the picture as merely the medium between information and the public. But at what point can we step beyond that boundary? It seems circumstances of life and death to be an obvious scenario to sacrifice any story. But at the same time we must take into consideration the realities of our abilities while also understanding our responsibility to report the real, even extremely tragic, events as they unfold before us.
Reference: "After Fatal Subway Shove, Asking: Were There No Heroes?"
This generated a sense of morbid curiosity as I became absorbed in every word covering the tragic death of a man pushed onto the subway tracks in NYC. Full of vague expressions of defense, bystanders of the event justified their inability to assist the man facing an oncoming train. The results of these allegations came down to the fact that no one believed they COULD help.
The most interesting element was the wide-spread attack on an amateur student photographer who had captured the last moments of the man's life in a series of over 40 photos. These pictures made their way to publication for the public and resulted in a back lash of "instead of taking pictures, why weren't you trying to help him out?" This student faced the majority of the anger and disappointment of all who witnessed the event that day.
The student claimed the flashes of his camera were to warn the train conductor, that this was the action he was capable of during this tragic circumstance. But at the same time, this sparked a concern that I also feel while watching those commercials of starving third world children or reporters in the midst of any tragic event. There is a line of involvement when it comes to reporting. It's almost as if that line becomes invisible, that a reporter's job is to remain unbiased of a subject, removing themselves from the picture as merely the medium between information and the public. But at what point can we step beyond that boundary? It seems circumstances of life and death to be an obvious scenario to sacrifice any story. But at the same time we must take into consideration the realities of our abilities while also understanding our responsibility to report the real, even extremely tragic, events as they unfold before us.
Reference: "After Fatal Subway Shove, Asking: Were There No Heroes?"
55°F...Who's Concerned?
Around 11:00 p.m., I encountered a unique phenomena that we all should reflect upon. This December evening, I found myself leaving the warmth of a friend's home, bracing myself for the winter chill to break crisply against my heat-blushed face. However, my preparations were joyously interrupted by a surprising blanket of cool air, reflective of the mid-season nights along the coasts of Georgia I've visited in the past. In absolute bliss, I hopped in my car, put my arm out the window, and felt the warm "winter" breeze pushing the hair off my face. But in this feeling of astonishment and glee, there was another thought which tugged from the pit of my stomach at the edges of my breezy smile. In all my experiences living as a New Englander, I've never witnessed a temperature like this so late/early in the fall/winter seasons.This realization flooded all the comfort of the cool air with feelings of worry. The concerns of global change that had been pressed upon my naivety in school performed a heart jumping dance with the combating joys I felt in that moment of 55° weather. This was the absolute definition of a bitter-sweet moment. I realize this experience isn't related to journalism in itself, but I think this dynamic is relevant to most of our generation as we come to terms with changes that continue to creep into our awareness. Although it may seem like a blessing, sparing us from the torments of shoveling mounds of snow from our driveways, I think this event should spark an understanding that something is changing... for better or for worse.
 |
| Time to start building these! |
Banning Gay Conversion: Banning Speech
In this entry, I feel it necessary to start with the article introduction that immediately sparked intrigue and confusion on the separation of our nation... "A federal judge cleared the way on Tuesday for California’s new law banning gay 'conversion therapies' for minors, one day after another federal judge, in a separate decision, called the ban an unconstitutional infringement on speech."
This issue is obviously LOADED with controversial topics. It not only deals with gay rights for minors but also freedom of speech...
“There’s a good deal of uncertainty about how to apply the First Amendment to professional speech to clients and even more uncertainty in the case of minors,” said Eugene Volokh, a professor and constitutional expert at the U.C.L.A. law school. “It’s not clear how this is ultimately going to play out.”
So, how does the banning of conversion therapy constitute as a form of speech? I suppose we can look at it as the group's freedom to verbally change a sexual preference. If that definition doesn't quite do it for you, that's probably because I don't fully believe it myself. But, I do understand there is a sense of freedom being taken away by this ban, however immoral the conversions may appear. I suppose the issue reminds me a bit of a program I watched recently, looking into the lives of those living in a religious compound. The culture was bizarre and controversial, leading to the arrest of the leader, Warren Jeffs. The relation I see is the inability to close the compound entirely despite the acts of Jeffs. But I digress...
What's interesting about this issue is the division of support. While one supports the ban of the therapy, another calls for the banning of the ban. This particular issue leaves us with a conflict of bans on bans...on bans. It's headache-inducing. But, if you decide to plant your feet in this matter which has judges divided, where would you stand in this morally grey area?
Reference: "Clashing Rulings Complicate Path of Gay ‘Conversion Therapy’ Law"
This issue is obviously LOADED with controversial topics. It not only deals with gay rights for minors but also freedom of speech...
“There’s a good deal of uncertainty about how to apply the First Amendment to professional speech to clients and even more uncertainty in the case of minors,” said Eugene Volokh, a professor and constitutional expert at the U.C.L.A. law school. “It’s not clear how this is ultimately going to play out.”
So, how does the banning of conversion therapy constitute as a form of speech? I suppose we can look at it as the group's freedom to verbally change a sexual preference. If that definition doesn't quite do it for you, that's probably because I don't fully believe it myself. But, I do understand there is a sense of freedom being taken away by this ban, however immoral the conversions may appear. I suppose the issue reminds me a bit of a program I watched recently, looking into the lives of those living in a religious compound. The culture was bizarre and controversial, leading to the arrest of the leader, Warren Jeffs. The relation I see is the inability to close the compound entirely despite the acts of Jeffs. But I digress...
What's interesting about this issue is the division of support. While one supports the ban of the therapy, another calls for the banning of the ban. This particular issue leaves us with a conflict of bans on bans...on bans. It's headache-inducing. But, if you decide to plant your feet in this matter which has judges divided, where would you stand in this morally grey area?
Reference: "Clashing Rulings Complicate Path of Gay ‘Conversion Therapy’ Law"
Egyptian Media: Reflection On Our Rights
As the media in Egypt takes charge on the limiting constraints provided by their government, it is incredibly important in this moment to reflect upon the glory of our own rights as journalists.
The issue sprung from Egypt's draft constitution that is putting limits on freedom of expression. In lieu of this restriction, it's critical to think on the importance journalists and other media have on the well-fare of a populace. Referring to a previous blog, the Leveson report, stemming from the importance of the royal pregnancy, resulted in many key elements that the media should reflect upon.
According to Lord Justice Leveson, media should act "as guardian of the interests of the public, as a critical witness to events, as the standard barer for those who have no one else to speak up for them."
In our country, being able to realize these important rights, we are at an absolute advantage. As mediators between the government and the public, the huge responsibility of sharing information, as well as the unity of the country, the Egyptian media is a point where all these elements are at a major threat.
Read further information about the issue leading to the division of the country: Thousands of Egyptians Protest Plan for Charter
The issue sprung from Egypt's draft constitution that is putting limits on freedom of expression. In lieu of this restriction, it's critical to think on the importance journalists and other media have on the well-fare of a populace. Referring to a previous blog, the Leveson report, stemming from the importance of the royal pregnancy, resulted in many key elements that the media should reflect upon.
According to Lord Justice Leveson, media should act "as guardian of the interests of the public, as a critical witness to events, as the standard barer for those who have no one else to speak up for them."
In our country, being able to realize these important rights, we are at an absolute advantage. As mediators between the government and the public, the huge responsibility of sharing information, as well as the unity of the country, the Egyptian media is a point where all these elements are at a major threat.
Read further information about the issue leading to the division of the country: Thousands of Egyptians Protest Plan for Charter
Monday, December 3, 2012
New Hampshire Sharks: Something to Worry About?
Succeeding the tragic events on Amity Island, locals of New Hampshire have become concerned with the safety of their coastlines. With recent shark sightings this past summer, Dianna Schulte, co-founder of the Blue Ocean Society, stated that little worry is necessary.
"People are not normally on the menu of sharks," said Schulte. "More people are likely to be killed in an accident involving a moose or deer."
Schulte said blue sharks are the most common large shark found off the New England coast. The Blue sharks are “exclusively fish feeders” and as of now, there has never been a single shark attack documented off the New Hampshire coast.
Still, she warned that people should take precautions if they see any shark in the water. A shark is a wild animal that should only act if threatened or provoked. Schulte also argued that a shark is more likely to mistake a person for something else due to poor visibility at dawn or dusk.
"Swimmers should take note of any seals in the area which could attract sharks," said Schulte. "If a seal is spotted nearby, a person should get out of the water."
Schulte also offered the last attack resulting in death from a shark bite occurred in 1936 in Massachusetts’ Buzzards Bay. A sighting of a white shark along the New Hampshire coast would be a “very rare and exceptional event.” She claimed that white sharks are more common off Cape Cod where they mostly feed on grey seals.
"If a white shark were seen off New Hampshire’s coast," said Schulte, "it would most likely be in transit and not hanging around."
"People are not normally on the menu of sharks," said Schulte. "More people are likely to be killed in an accident involving a moose or deer."
Schulte said blue sharks are the most common large shark found off the New England coast. The Blue sharks are “exclusively fish feeders” and as of now, there has never been a single shark attack documented off the New Hampshire coast.
Still, she warned that people should take precautions if they see any shark in the water. A shark is a wild animal that should only act if threatened or provoked. Schulte also argued that a shark is more likely to mistake a person for something else due to poor visibility at dawn or dusk.
"Swimmers should take note of any seals in the area which could attract sharks," said Schulte. "If a seal is spotted nearby, a person should get out of the water."
Schulte also offered the last attack resulting in death from a shark bite occurred in 1936 in Massachusetts’ Buzzards Bay. A sighting of a white shark along the New Hampshire coast would be a “very rare and exceptional event.” She claimed that white sharks are more common off Cape Cod where they mostly feed on grey seals.
"If a white shark were seen off New Hampshire’s coast," said Schulte, "it would most likely be in transit and not hanging around."
Royalty: Does it really affect US?
Oh, royalty. The thought alone brings a sense of glory to the currently drab office room I reside in. The dream-like reality show following the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, starting with the royal wedding, has brought a glittering fairy tale to most middle-aged women in the U.S. Lucky for them, the couple has announced they are currently expecting a royal crying and pooping machine in the form of a baby! Not that this has much relevance for me...or for the rest of the country. But one of the more interesting elements is the impact on succession. The old laws state that if there is a male born, that male will knock any female out of the line for succession. But with laws currently being deliberated the male's first, whether boy or girl, will become monarch.
"The last time we had three people in line of succession was 120 years ago with Queen Victoria."
Currently, there is the Queen, Charles prince of whales, William Duke of Cambridge, and the upcoming infant. But another issue which plays into our class a bit, is the element of media involvement.
"Every minute of this pregnancy will be front page of the news."
On CNN, the concern lies with the media's inability to hesitate or hold back on any sort of information regarding the pregnancy, as even citizens of our country are showing excitement.
"The British media itself will be playing by the rules... what they will be watching closely is how everyone else reacts: the common wealth countries."
In accordance to the Leveson report, Lord Justice Leveson reflects on the importance of the press.
"For over 40 years as a judge, I have watched the press in action day after day in the courts in which I have practiced. I know how vital the press is, all of it, as guardian of the interests of the public, as a critical witness to events, as the standard barer for those who have no one else to speak up for them."
So, I guess we'll have to wait and see for the impact this child will have. But as my fellow executives battle over their interests on the event, there is no doubt the media coverage of this pregnancy will be flooding all news sites. So prepare yourselves, citizens, whether it is relevant to you or not.
CNN News:
"With royal baby, three wait for throne"
Leveson Report:
Leveson Report
"The last time we had three people in line of succession was 120 years ago with Queen Victoria."
Currently, there is the Queen, Charles prince of whales, William Duke of Cambridge, and the upcoming infant. But another issue which plays into our class a bit, is the element of media involvement.
"Every minute of this pregnancy will be front page of the news."
On CNN, the concern lies with the media's inability to hesitate or hold back on any sort of information regarding the pregnancy, as even citizens of our country are showing excitement.
"The British media itself will be playing by the rules... what they will be watching closely is how everyone else reacts: the common wealth countries."
In accordance to the Leveson report, Lord Justice Leveson reflects on the importance of the press.
"For over 40 years as a judge, I have watched the press in action day after day in the courts in which I have practiced. I know how vital the press is, all of it, as guardian of the interests of the public, as a critical witness to events, as the standard barer for those who have no one else to speak up for them."
So, I guess we'll have to wait and see for the impact this child will have. But as my fellow executives battle over their interests on the event, there is no doubt the media coverage of this pregnancy will be flooding all news sites. So prepare yourselves, citizens, whether it is relevant to you or not.
CNN News:
"With royal baby, three wait for throne"
Leveson Report:
Leveson Report
"More Babies, Please"
In a required lecture class I took last semester (a form of environmental conservation), one of the issues we covered was the idea of over-population. This seems like an obvious issue as our global population continues to increase. This article argues that the population of U.S. is one of its most important element of growth and defense (more babies = more workers). But although the U.S. has had a fertile history, birth rates are at an extreme low. Speaking to some of my female friends (20-22), none show much of any interest to have kids anytime soon, and neither do I. But that makes sense, we're still young, have plans and goals... but most importantly, too poor. This article argues that issue, that the lack of birth rates is possibly most effected by economic issues. So what can we do to change it? The article offers some pretty "perfect" ideas:
"Whether this means a more family-friendly tax code, a push for more flexible work hours, or an effort to reduce the cost of college, there’s clearly room for creative policy to make some difference."
Of course, the article touches on aspects of morals, family views, male/female differences, but I think it all goes back to the top of the article with a quote that may answer that issue in itself...
"It’s a near-universal law that modernity reduces fertility."
"More Babies, Please"
"Whether this means a more family-friendly tax code, a push for more flexible work hours, or an effort to reduce the cost of college, there’s clearly room for creative policy to make some difference."
Of course, the article touches on aspects of morals, family views, male/female differences, but I think it all goes back to the top of the article with a quote that may answer that issue in itself...
"It’s a near-universal law that modernity reduces fertility."
"More Babies, Please"
Sunday, December 2, 2012
On Finding Gravity
Recently, I rediscovered an old acquaintance's success on the web. As a past family friend, Carley has traveled from New Hampshire to Australia to New York city in her success as a writer and blogger. Her site, findingravity.com, has made its way to the team of VaynerMedia stationed in NYC. It's easy to take inspiration from her writing. Looking at her blog, she doesn't write about intensive global issues or political crises, but rather pulls from her own experiences to create a cyber location for others to learn and grow. I think one of the most impressive things about her work is her self confidence as a writer, to share both personal strengths and weakness while relating it to others. Another skill to take some inspiration from is the ability to convey her thoughts on multiple platforms (such as photography). She's actually gained recognition from celebrities as well....if John Mayer following her on Twitter counts, which I think it does. It's strange to think that the girl who came over our house nearly everyday in high school has grown so far from the small towns of Rye and Portsmouth. After losing touch, it's strange to see our interests and goals following a somewhat similar path. I guess what I'm trying to say is that her confidence and success brings some hope that there are real-world opportunities outside of UNH for aspiring writers such as our selves.
"I enjoy utilizing my artistic abilities where I can. I cherish simplicity. I write mostly about amusing self-deprecation, embarrassing stories, and moments of mid-twenties triumph. I graduated college with a degree in English, a 5-12 teaching certification, and a minor in sarcastic humor." -Findingravity
findingravity
"I enjoy utilizing my artistic abilities where I can. I cherish simplicity. I write mostly about amusing self-deprecation, embarrassing stories, and moments of mid-twenties triumph. I graduated college with a degree in English, a 5-12 teaching certification, and a minor in sarcastic humor." -Findingravity
findingravity
"Saying No to College"
Although not entirely a news article, a piece from the New York Times portrays a very relevant issue for many currently in the educational system. On the matter of finances, education, and experience, the question is posed: To stay in college or not to stay in college? That is the question... Coming from a family raised by a drop-out dad, I've long held the ideal that school isn't everything if you love what you do. With only one semester left to graduate as an engineer, my father dropped out of UConn to pursue his already happening business of being a Disc Jockey in his early 20s. It's with his communication and handyman skills that he's built himself up as a respected business man in the seacoast area. In this article, computer programmer Benjamin Goering posed the idea that dropping out of college was one of the most responsible things he's done. Along with successes like Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs, the idea of dropping out of college was one of the best decisions they ever made. It's role models like these that may set the tone for other students to contemplate the benefits of paying thousands to stay in school with the doubt of success hanging over their heads.
"Nowadays, popular culture is portraying dropouts as self-made zillionaires whose decision to spurn the “safe” route (academic conformity) is akin to lighting out for the territories to strike gold."
"Saying No to College"
"Nowadays, popular culture is portraying dropouts as self-made zillionaires whose decision to spurn the “safe” route (academic conformity) is akin to lighting out for the territories to strike gold."
"Saying No to College"
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)