The United States obviously is confused as to what steps they should take in handling citizens with mental disorders. It will start out with a violent tantrum in the privacy of home, and turn into a double-digit killing spree at an elementary school. When a mental disorder gets to the point where a person becomes physically dangerous, he or she should not be kept unrestricted with the ability to roam free. With the most recent shooting in Connecticut and many attempted shootings since then, questions are being raised as to how the US should handle the mentally ill that are a threat to the community. Once a criminal act is committed, the offender is obviously sent to jail, but what about in the time leading up to it? If a person is psychologically ill and has a violent history, how do we keep him/her from ruining the lives of people around them. The unanswered questions that we as citizens have are immeasurable, with the answers being very few and far between. But America has to get their act together fast, before we have to raise our flags at half-mass due to another mass killing.
In response to: http://gawker.com/5968818/i-am-adam-lanzas-mother
Interesting video that depicts the mental disorders that the shooter in Connecticut and many others in the past could possibly have: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2-Re_Fl_L4
Sunday, December 16, 2012
02.01 Print-Newspapers
No matter where you are on this great big earth, there are newspapers everywhere. Weekly, daily, monthly, oh my! The two main types are weekly and daily newspapers, both having numerous similarities and differences. Papers all across the country use almost identical methods for distributing and making money. Journalists, editors, and all of the other contributors to a newspaper have to follow a written, and unwritten, set of rules whenever they are on the clock. To you, the newspaper may just be your daily source for the current happenings, but for the entire staff of the paper, it is a way of life.
Weekly newspapers, as expected, are released on a 7-day cycle. Within a weekly paper you will find broad stories on topics such as upcoming events, city growth, and movie reviews. Because weekly papers aren't always the most current, they leave the breaking news stories to the daily papers. Weekly papers come in two types: general interest and special interest. Small towns typically print general interest newspapers, covering everything from sports and politics to opinion columns. Special interest papers are popular in cities, with news on nightlife, activities, etc. Special interest papers are the type to be seen on street racks, and are typically free.
On the contrary, daily newspapers are reprinted every night, keeping readers on top of every story. Daily papers cover both local and national news. Unlike weekly papers, dailies have the ability to focus on breaking news.
Newspapers are very expensive, causing them to have to find numerous sources of income. Advertising is the largest source of revenue for both weekly and daily-about 80%. The ad salesman must be very strategic in his selling method in order to get advertisements; speaking on focal points such as the immense area that the paper covers.
Reporters at my local paper, The Jacksonville News, are always following two sets of rules, among many others. According to David Dehof, a reporter for the news, "Plagiarism is a huge no-no, I've seen a few co-workers fired and shunned for engaging in the frowned upon method." Plagiarism, which is the copying and publishing of someone else's work and taking credit for it, is not only looked down on, but illegal. One of the biggest things for a newspaper to have is its credibility, and plagiarism can ruin a reputation in no time. Before going to the public with a story, journalists must always triple-check their facts. Releasing facts that are exaggerated or even unintentionally twisted is considered lying, and is not tolerated in the world of journalism.
http://jacksonville.com/
http://nnaweb.org/about-nna?articleCategory=community-facts-figures
Weekly newspapers, as expected, are released on a 7-day cycle. Within a weekly paper you will find broad stories on topics such as upcoming events, city growth, and movie reviews. Because weekly papers aren't always the most current, they leave the breaking news stories to the daily papers. Weekly papers come in two types: general interest and special interest. Small towns typically print general interest newspapers, covering everything from sports and politics to opinion columns. Special interest papers are popular in cities, with news on nightlife, activities, etc. Special interest papers are the type to be seen on street racks, and are typically free.
On the contrary, daily newspapers are reprinted every night, keeping readers on top of every story. Daily papers cover both local and national news. Unlike weekly papers, dailies have the ability to focus on breaking news.
Newspapers are very expensive, causing them to have to find numerous sources of income. Advertising is the largest source of revenue for both weekly and daily-about 80%. The ad salesman must be very strategic in his selling method in order to get advertisements; speaking on focal points such as the immense area that the paper covers.
Reporters at my local paper, The Jacksonville News, are always following two sets of rules, among many others. According to David Dehof, a reporter for the news, "Plagiarism is a huge no-no, I've seen a few co-workers fired and shunned for engaging in the frowned upon method." Plagiarism, which is the copying and publishing of someone else's work and taking credit for it, is not only looked down on, but illegal. One of the biggest things for a newspaper to have is its credibility, and plagiarism can ruin a reputation in no time. Before going to the public with a story, journalists must always triple-check their facts. Releasing facts that are exaggerated or even unintentionally twisted is considered lying, and is not tolerated in the world of journalism.
http://jacksonville.com/
http://nnaweb.org/about-nna?articleCategory=community-facts-figures
Monday, October 29, 2012
Lesson 05.00- Intro to the Writing Process
Writing as a whole is an activity that I have a true passion for. The different techniques and various structures that are included in every piece of written work have always intrigued me, and have influenced my writing to this day. Throughout history writing has been a form of communicating for almost every culture and ethnicity. Whether it is through symbols or actual words, humans have utilized that idea of writing since Adam and Eve. The various forms of writing are endless, and I am enticed by them all. I believe that a person has a true talent if they can write a book, or even get published in the newspaper. It is always interesting to compare works of different writers and observe their different techniques.
I believe that it is incredibly difficult for someone to write impartially, considering that a writer's opinion on a subject tends to leak out, even unintentionally. For example, if a strongly conservative news reporter were to write an article regarding both of the candidate's different policies, it would be nearly impossible for the reporter to illustrating the democratic candidate in any sort of positive light. The reporter could subconciously jade the democratic candidate's policies, or leave out the policies that would make the candidate look good.
It is highly difficult for a person to write on a topic that he/she feels strongly about without letting readers know his/her viewpoint on the subject. In almost every article/news story regarding sports or politics, you can decipher the writer's opinion pretty easily. Although it is not impossible to write impartially, it takes a very good writer to stay unbiased.
I believe that it is incredibly difficult for someone to write impartially, considering that a writer's opinion on a subject tends to leak out, even unintentionally. For example, if a strongly conservative news reporter were to write an article regarding both of the candidate's different policies, it would be nearly impossible for the reporter to illustrating the democratic candidate in any sort of positive light. The reporter could subconciously jade the democratic candidate's policies, or leave out the policies that would make the candidate look good.
It is highly difficult for a person to write on a topic that he/she feels strongly about without letting readers know his/her viewpoint on the subject. In almost every article/news story regarding sports or politics, you can decipher the writer's opinion pretty easily. Although it is not impossible to write impartially, it takes a very good writer to stay unbiased.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Lesson 04.02- Logic and Fallacies
Last summer I ran into one of my tennis team mates at Starbucks, and we began to discuss our upcoming tennis season and the difficulty of making the team. In the past, our high school's tennis team has been very difficult to make, although anyone was capable of trying out. My friend, Taylor, stated that if I don't do the summer tennis camp that she is doing then I won't make the team. Knowing that she is merely a player and has no leg up with the coach at all, I knew that this must not be true. But just to be safe, I did my research.
Upon meeting with my tennis coach regarding my recent encounter with Taylor, he informed me that the information that she provided me with was completely false. This particular situation could be classified as a False Dilemma, one in which Taylor only gave me options A or B, although there was also option C. Option C would be that I would make the team regardless of participating in the camp or not, an option that Taylor failed to mention.
The reason for Taylor leaving out option C is because she simply wanted me to do the camp with her, and felt that giving me an ultimatum would force me to partake. Thankfully, I conducted my research and came to the conclusion that I can still make the team even if I do not participate. I utilized logic in finding the truth to the fallacy in which I encountered.
Upon meeting with my tennis coach regarding my recent encounter with Taylor, he informed me that the information that she provided me with was completely false. This particular situation could be classified as a False Dilemma, one in which Taylor only gave me options A or B, although there was also option C. Option C would be that I would make the team regardless of participating in the camp or not, an option that Taylor failed to mention.
The reason for Taylor leaving out option C is because she simply wanted me to do the camp with her, and felt that giving me an ultimatum would force me to partake. Thankfully, I conducted my research and came to the conclusion that I can still make the team even if I do not participate. I utilized logic in finding the truth to the fallacy in which I encountered.
Lesson 03.04- Slander and Libel
Scenario 3. A high school prints a monthly bulletin for students and
parents. In it the administrators post the license plates of vehicles
they contend have been speeding in the school zone. Several parents sue, stating that they have been unjustly identified
As clear as day, this is a scenario in which libel clearly has occurred. Not only is it an invasion of privacy to give out license plate numbers to the public, but it could also be considered ridicule. By the plates being put out in the open for all of the world to see, it could make a person feel ostracized and publicly "called out". Although the paper is not individually announcing the speeders, libel is being committed very discretely. When the parents present the case to the court, all that they have to do is present the newspaper and state that it is libel, "injury to reputation."
As clear as day, this is a scenario in which libel clearly has occurred. Not only is it an invasion of privacy to give out license plate numbers to the public, but it could also be considered ridicule. By the plates being put out in the open for all of the world to see, it could make a person feel ostracized and publicly "called out". Although the paper is not individually announcing the speeders, libel is being committed very discretely. When the parents present the case to the court, all that they have to do is present the newspaper and state that it is libel, "injury to reputation."
Lesson 02.04- Broadcast Television
As I was tentatively watching FOX News, one of my favorite networks, I began to pay close attention to the opinions being expressed as well as the effectiveness of the program. Because I am a strong Republican, I thoroughly enjoy the information provided from this news network, although I realize that it is quite biased. Today's interviews and broadcasts were completely focused around the presidential debates that occurred yesterday, making for an interesting show.
I would absolutely classify FOX as a political news network, and I highly doubt anyone would disagree with me. There are an abundance of opinions constantly shared throughout the show, although these opinions come from both Democrats and Republicans. Today while watching The O'Reilly Factor (portion of FOX News), one of Barrack Obama's Democratic coordinators appeared on the show. O'Reilly and the Democrat went back and forth debating on issues all across the board. Although the show is presumably conservative, Democratic opinions definitely wedge their way in there.
On one instance, O'Reilly clearly stated that "There is no question about who won the debate last night, if this were a spelling bee, Obama would have been out in the first round." This, of course, is an opinion. There is no problem with news networks sharing their own opinions, considering that the viewers of FOX News are listening to hear the conservative side of the election. When it comes down to hearing straight to the point, non-biased news, FOX is not your source. But if you're looking for a tad of entertainment and an exceptional amount of political debates, FOX is your place.
I would absolutely classify FOX as a political news network, and I highly doubt anyone would disagree with me. There are an abundance of opinions constantly shared throughout the show, although these opinions come from both Democrats and Republicans. Today while watching The O'Reilly Factor (portion of FOX News), one of Barrack Obama's Democratic coordinators appeared on the show. O'Reilly and the Democrat went back and forth debating on issues all across the board. Although the show is presumably conservative, Democratic opinions definitely wedge their way in there.
On one instance, O'Reilly clearly stated that "There is no question about who won the debate last night, if this were a spelling bee, Obama would have been out in the first round." This, of course, is an opinion. There is no problem with news networks sharing their own opinions, considering that the viewers of FOX News are listening to hear the conservative side of the election. When it comes down to hearing straight to the point, non-biased news, FOX is not your source. But if you're looking for a tad of entertainment and an exceptional amount of political debates, FOX is your place.
Friday, August 17, 2012
03.01 Code of Ethics
1. Be completely truthful and thorough when presenting the information that you obtain.
2. Avoid mixing fact with opinion, unless you are stating that you are doing so.
3. Do not sabotage another journalist or his/her work.
4. Do not stretch the truth to make a story more interesting, use only truthful information.
5. Be respectful when interviewing others, and never be innapropriate.
Explanation of these rules:
1) To be a good journalist, you must be trusted by your readers. If your readers are constantly unsure if you are telling the truth, then they will no longer want to read your articles if they are potentially made up.
2) When you are writing a factual article, it is not a good idea to throw in your opinion unless you have noted that you are doing so. The last thing a journalist wants to do is confuse his/her reader.
3) Blackmail is frowned upon in every case, by doing so you are risking your reputation in the writing community.
4) Stick to the facts when you are presenting your story, no matter how blunt the story turns out. You are there to present the public with information, not to put polluted and diluted versions of the truth into their head.
5) As a journalist, you are constantly around the public. It is important to always be courteous and respectful when conducting interviews and interacting with others. You are not only representing yourself, but also the paper/magazine/company that you work for.
I believe that the five rules listed above are the most crucial to follow as a journalist. By abiding by the rules listed above, a journalist has the ability to be respected and popular in the community.
2. Avoid mixing fact with opinion, unless you are stating that you are doing so.
3. Do not sabotage another journalist or his/her work.
4. Do not stretch the truth to make a story more interesting, use only truthful information.
5. Be respectful when interviewing others, and never be innapropriate.
Explanation of these rules:
1) To be a good journalist, you must be trusted by your readers. If your readers are constantly unsure if you are telling the truth, then they will no longer want to read your articles if they are potentially made up.
2) When you are writing a factual article, it is not a good idea to throw in your opinion unless you have noted that you are doing so. The last thing a journalist wants to do is confuse his/her reader.
3) Blackmail is frowned upon in every case, by doing so you are risking your reputation in the writing community.
4) Stick to the facts when you are presenting your story, no matter how blunt the story turns out. You are there to present the public with information, not to put polluted and diluted versions of the truth into their head.
5) As a journalist, you are constantly around the public. It is important to always be courteous and respectful when conducting interviews and interacting with others. You are not only representing yourself, but also the paper/magazine/company that you work for.
I believe that the five rules listed above are the most crucial to follow as a journalist. By abiding by the rules listed above, a journalist has the ability to be respected and popular in the community.
Monday, August 13, 2012
03.00 Introduction to Ethics
To be ethical is to follow the rules of society and demonstrate the traits of a good person. Being an ethical person goes along the lines of being morally correct. In a situation such as the one reviewed, the decision that I ultimately make pertaining to my friend could be the difference between life and death. On one hand, I would risk my friends trust, but on the other, I am risking her life completely. If I choose to tell an adult about her foolish choice of leaking her address, then I am risking the chance of her never trusting me again. Although this seems terrible, it pales in comparison to the alternative result. Because my friend has given her address to a complete stranger, she has put her entire family in danger. Although my friend might be upset with me for telling an adult, she will eventually get over it. I could never forgive myself if something happened to her that could've been easily avoided. If the scenario occured where my friend gets stolen and killed, and I had previous knowledge of her leaking her private information, then I am able to be accused of withholding relevant information. Either my friend becomes temporarily upset with me over sharing her information with my parents, or she remains at risk of being taken from her home, and even killed.
Friday, July 6, 2012
02.00 What is News?
In the scheme of things, "news" has infinite definitions, and the meaning of the word typically depends on the person that is defining it. The dictionary defines news as "Newly received or noteworthy information, esp. about recent or important events", although news is so much more. News is everywhere around us, it is impossible in today's society to walk down the street and not see a political ad, newspaper, or billboard.
News is society's way of keeping up with current events, and staying in the loop. Imagine a plane without constant updates, the world would seem so much bigger. Communication via the internet, television, magazines, and newspapers makes the world seem smaller, connecting everyone is some way or another.
To me, news is a necessity. Life as we know it could not continue without the never ending stream of updates. People depend on their news to function, without it they would be clueless. News makes the world go round; connecting people from every corner of the earth to the world around them.
News is society's way of keeping up with current events, and staying in the loop. Imagine a plane without constant updates, the world would seem so much bigger. Communication via the internet, television, magazines, and newspapers makes the world seem smaller, connecting everyone is some way or another.
To me, news is a necessity. Life as we know it could not continue without the never ending stream of updates. People depend on their news to function, without it they would be clueless. News makes the world go round; connecting people from every corner of the earth to the world around them.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
01.02 Evolution of American Journalism
Over time, Journalism has advanced and modernized in more ways than
one. As evident in the lesson, Journalism was originally a field
dedicated to men. Today, approximately 37% of the Journalism work force
is held by women. As for advances, our current Journalists now use
computers, compared to typewriters that were used many years ago.
Computers give Journalists the ability to work faster, research and
gather more accurate information, and fix mistakes that they have made
when typing. The field of Journalism is an ever-changing career, making
it one of the most unique and influential jobs in society.
The United States of America understands the importance of Journalism in our society, therefore protecting the rights of all Journalists within the first amendment. There is no other occupation, field, or career that is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. Without Journalism in our local, national, and global societies, life as we know it would be unrecognizable. Journalism has made our world small, with communications and news going viral in minutes. Journalism keeps society in the know.
The press has an exponential amount of freedom, considering the fact that they are not owned by any branch of the government. Journalism is a trend that will always be in style. Whether our economy is in flux or completely stable, Journalism is always a major player. People depend on news to operate and get through their day to day lives, Journalists provide them with this information in the form of newspapers, television, and many other means.
Citation:
1. The lesson (1.2)
2. "ASNE -- The Newspaper Journalists of the '90's." ASNE -- The Newspaper Journalists of the '90's. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2012. <http://asne.org/kiosk/reports/97reports/journalists90s/profiles2.html>.
The United States of America understands the importance of Journalism in our society, therefore protecting the rights of all Journalists within the first amendment. There is no other occupation, field, or career that is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. Without Journalism in our local, national, and global societies, life as we know it would be unrecognizable. Journalism has made our world small, with communications and news going viral in minutes. Journalism keeps society in the know.
The press has an exponential amount of freedom, considering the fact that they are not owned by any branch of the government. Journalism is a trend that will always be in style. Whether our economy is in flux or completely stable, Journalism is always a major player. People depend on news to operate and get through their day to day lives, Journalists provide them with this information in the form of newspapers, television, and many other means.
Citation:
1. The lesson (1.2)
2. "ASNE -- The Newspaper Journalists of the '90's." ASNE -- The Newspaper Journalists of the '90's. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2012. <http://asne.org/kiosk/reports/97reports/journalists90s/profiles2.html>.
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