After this class if done and over with, I will most likely not keep blogging in this particular blog. That does not mean that I will not blog at all in the future. I've been applying for a lot of job positions, blogging positions, that require some previous background. I would not use this blog because I don't think this blog really shows my skills as a writer since it was a lot of just my general thoughts, reviews, and other class assignments. I do however have another blog, not a personal blog, that I use for my own independent zine. So, yes I will keep blogging after this class has finished, however I most likely will delete this particular blog since it was for a class.
The best part of this class was that it only met once a week. I don't think I could have dealt with this class if it was two or more times a week! Another aspect which I found good was that the work itself was not too hard! It wasn't hard at all, and sometimes I felt like it was just busy work.
The worst part of this class is the fact that I felt like a lot of what we did was pointless, and even a waste of time/money. I don't like feeling that time is wasted, since it is so precious and we only get so much of it! Another reason why I feel this way is because when I first registered for this class I was under the assumption that it was a News Design class that would teach me how to do layouts, design, etc. When I found out that this class had nothing do to with that, and instead found out we would be blogging I was honestly let down, and wished I had known ahead of time, that way I could have registered for another class that would have benefited me in the long run. No offense, but I don't think any college senior needs to learn how to blog!
One improvement, in my opinion, would be to instead of assigning five plus blogs a week, would only assign maybe a website review and one (or two, that could be pushing it though) additional blog posts. My reasoning for this is because as college students we don't have a lot of time on our hands, between balancing our academic lives, our social lives, our family lives, everything builds up, and blogging is not as important as some assignments that may be assigned to us. And when assigning a review for a website, I think it would be more beneficial for the student to review a website of his/her choice because that way they would be more interested in reviewing it, it will feel less like a chore, or homework!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Washingtonpost.com
I knew the minute that I clicked on to washingtonpost.com that it would be similar to the other news related sites we had to visit in the past, like cnn.com or msnbc.com.
Like the two sites, this one too was very neat, clean, and well organized. Every different section, like Opinion, Politics, News, Local, Sports, Arts and Living, City Guide, Jobs, Cars, Real Estate, Rentals, and Classifieds, were laid out at the top of the page, making it easy access to visitors of the site.
While poking around on the site, I noticed that it featured a lot of stories that you may not see or read in a regular newspaper. For example, there was an article about teenagers who are stepping up (literally, teens marched up to the Washington Monument) and began to demand a call for action in Darfur. This wasn't the only interesting story I found, I also found stories that ranged from Gov. Corzine undergoing surgery to stories that focus on the climate and environment.
With such an array of articles I think the target audience could be anyone really. I think this could be viewed by not only people like me who are using it as a tool for a homework assignment, but could be used by anyone, who let's say, didn't get the chance to pick up the paper this morning because it seems that washingtonpost.com featured stories that would be found in the newspaper and stories that you wouldn't necessarily find in it.
Another reason why they may have a diverse audience is because the site does not only feature news. At the very bottom of the site, there are places for people to do crosswords or sudoku, get their horoscope or even check out tv listings. Of course, I also found out that you have to be a registered users to take advantage of some (like the corsswords) of these things.
This site had a lot of different options for a lot of different people. I liked this site in comparison to other news related sites we had to visit in the past. But that doesn't mean that I'll be checking it out every day!
Like the two sites, this one too was very neat, clean, and well organized. Every different section, like Opinion, Politics, News, Local, Sports, Arts and Living, City Guide, Jobs, Cars, Real Estate, Rentals, and Classifieds, were laid out at the top of the page, making it easy access to visitors of the site.
While poking around on the site, I noticed that it featured a lot of stories that you may not see or read in a regular newspaper. For example, there was an article about teenagers who are stepping up (literally, teens marched up to the Washington Monument) and began to demand a call for action in Darfur. This wasn't the only interesting story I found, I also found stories that ranged from Gov. Corzine undergoing surgery to stories that focus on the climate and environment.
With such an array of articles I think the target audience could be anyone really. I think this could be viewed by not only people like me who are using it as a tool for a homework assignment, but could be used by anyone, who let's say, didn't get the chance to pick up the paper this morning because it seems that washingtonpost.com featured stories that would be found in the newspaper and stories that you wouldn't necessarily find in it.
Another reason why they may have a diverse audience is because the site does not only feature news. At the very bottom of the site, there are places for people to do crosswords or sudoku, get their horoscope or even check out tv listings. Of course, I also found out that you have to be a registered users to take advantage of some (like the corsswords) of these things.
This site had a lot of different options for a lot of different people. I liked this site in comparison to other news related sites we had to visit in the past. But that doesn't mean that I'll be checking it out every day!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
____________ Has A Deathwish
Technology and me have a love hate relationship. I love it, but unfortunately because I don't understand it very well it does not love me as much as I love it. And tonight, of all night, technology really failed and let me down, big time!
I started my own zine, and in the process of getting it up and running I've been writing like crazy, not to mention interviewing some bands for that matter. Well tonight, I had an interview all lined up with Spark Is A Diamond. So I take out my handy dandy recorder and we get down to business. So, I get home, check the recorded tape only to find out that the recorder cut out after the first question. Yes, I made sure I hit the record button, and I made sure after each question that it was recording...I figured I'd say that cause when I told my friend and my parents that's the first things they said to me. I'm not dumb, ya know!
So, yes my wonderful interview is lost somewhere in tape recorder heaven! Luckily the band was super, super nice, and said if I needed anything from them...to just ask. So there's still hope for my Spark Is A Diamond interview.
I started my own zine, and in the process of getting it up and running I've been writing like crazy, not to mention interviewing some bands for that matter. Well tonight, I had an interview all lined up with Spark Is A Diamond. So I take out my handy dandy recorder and we get down to business. So, I get home, check the recorded tape only to find out that the recorder cut out after the first question. Yes, I made sure I hit the record button, and I made sure after each question that it was recording...I figured I'd say that cause when I told my friend and my parents that's the first things they said to me. I'm not dumb, ya know!
So, yes my wonderful interview is lost somewhere in tape recorder heaven! Luckily the band was super, super nice, and said if I needed anything from them...to just ask. So there's still hope for my Spark Is A Diamond interview.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Gizmos, Gadgets, and Widgets!
I chose to go with a iTunes Widget because I figured that since I'm on iTunes like every day, why not! Another reason why I figured to go with an iTunes widget was because since I'm a music lover I thought it would be cool to see what iTunes top 10 songs are. Even though I may not like or even listen to those top 10 songs it's interesting to see what other people are into musically.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Umbrellas and Elephants....My new Favorite Song!
For me, those big moments in life don't count. I mean, it's not like those moments last forever and ever! They're not, and for the most part, when something big, extraordinarily big, the buzz dies down eventually and every one forgets.
But no one forgets those little things in life. It's those little things in life that truly make me happy.
Now, I guess you have to understand two things about me. One: I'm easily amused. And two: I have little to no attention span. So with that said it only makes sense that those little things stick out most to me, cause they're here and gone within the matter of minutes.
Why am I blabbering on and on about this. Because I had one of these moments last night, and I felt like sharing. Music is my life, I live it, eat it, breathe it, and sleep music. If its not on the radio its on in my head...if I'm not bopping to the music blasting in my car radio, I'm bopping along to the music in my head and to the many of lyrics I quote on a daily basis.
Anyway, in terms of little things, last night, while I was patiently waiting for my friend to come and pick me up, I decided to go to one of my favorite singers Myspace page. And to my surprise I found out that he has ANOTHER band that he fronts. This made me incredibly happy for two reason. One, I get to listen to his beautiful voice in two different bands, and two because I found something new and interesting to listen to. It's the little things like this that make me happy. It makes me even happier to find out that both of these bands are playing the Jersey Warped Tour! Which, yes, I will be going.
Because I'm talking about one of my favorite singers, I figured I would post a video or two of his main band and his side project.
Chiodos
"The Word 'Best Friend' Becomes Redefined"
Cinematic Sunrise
"The Wordless"
But no one forgets those little things in life. It's those little things in life that truly make me happy.
Now, I guess you have to understand two things about me. One: I'm easily amused. And two: I have little to no attention span. So with that said it only makes sense that those little things stick out most to me, cause they're here and gone within the matter of minutes.
Why am I blabbering on and on about this. Because I had one of these moments last night, and I felt like sharing. Music is my life, I live it, eat it, breathe it, and sleep music. If its not on the radio its on in my head...if I'm not bopping to the music blasting in my car radio, I'm bopping along to the music in my head and to the many of lyrics I quote on a daily basis.
Anyway, in terms of little things, last night, while I was patiently waiting for my friend to come and pick me up, I decided to go to one of my favorite singers Myspace page. And to my surprise I found out that he has ANOTHER band that he fronts. This made me incredibly happy for two reason. One, I get to listen to his beautiful voice in two different bands, and two because I found something new and interesting to listen to. It's the little things like this that make me happy. It makes me even happier to find out that both of these bands are playing the Jersey Warped Tour! Which, yes, I will be going.
Because I'm talking about one of my favorite singers, I figured I would post a video or two of his main band and his side project.
Chiodos
"The Word 'Best Friend' Becomes Redefined"
Cinematic Sunrise
"The Wordless"
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Web 2.0
Web 2.0 is a word that was first coined by O'Reilly Media three years ago in 2004. The word is used to describe second generation web based sites like social networking sites (e.g. Myspace.com, Facebook.com), communication tools, and it also emphasizes sharing among its users. Web 2.0 could be a deceiving term since it is the second generation of websites. However, it is not the updated version of the Internet, but it does change the standards of Internet.
Web 2.0 could also refer to other things besides second-generation websites. It also refers to:
"- The transition from Websites to from isolated silos sources of content and functionality, thus becoming computing platforms serving web-applications to end-users.
- A social phenomenon embracing an approach to generating and distributing web content itself, characterized by open communication decentralization of authority, and freedom to share.
- Enhanced organization and and categorization of content, emphasizing deeplinking.
- A rise or fall in the economic value of the web, possibly surpassing the impact of the dot com boom of the late 1990s." (Wikipedia)
According to Tim O'Reilly, the founder of O'Reilly Media, "Web 2.0 is the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the Internet as platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform."
Web 2.0 could also refer to other things besides second-generation websites. It also refers to:
"- The transition from Websites to from isolated silos sources of content and functionality, thus becoming computing platforms serving web-applications to end-users.
- A social phenomenon embracing an approach to generating and distributing web content itself, characterized by open communication decentralization of authority, and freedom to share.
- Enhanced organization and and categorization of content, emphasizing deeplinking.
- A rise or fall in the economic value of the web, possibly surpassing the impact of the dot com boom of the late 1990s." (Wikipedia)
According to Tim O'Reilly, the founder of O'Reilly Media, "Web 2.0 is the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the Internet as platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform."
Monday, April 9, 2007
Set Phasers to Stun AKA Fred Mascherino Is My Hero AKA Adventures in Atlantic City
So for my friend's birthday, her sister and I decided that we were going to get her the gift of all gifts ever given to her. We planned and planned and planned for over two months, and this weekend almost two months after my friends birthday, we gave her her birthday gift: tickets to the Armor For Sleep, Underoath, and Taking Back Sunday show at The House of Blues in Atlantic City.
Now, my friend whose gift this was, had no clue what we were up to because for the past two months we hid it from it since it was a surprise. And for three weeks leading up to this past Saturday, we dropped little hints to help her along the way. To say the least, they didn't do much help for her because she thought we were taking her to Medieval Times. We blindfolded her all the way from our hotel to The Showboat Casino where the venue was, and we knew once she took off her blindfold and saw we were at a casino, would be disappointed because A) she doesn't gamble and B) because she only brought 20 bucks with her. But I took out the Ticketmaster printed tickets and showed them to her and she was overly excited...cause let's face it we all love Taking Back Sunday.
So we walk around the boardwalk, bought some saltwater taffy, and than made our way to The House of Blues for both the show and dinner (we ate there because of this really cool feature that they have...if you are going to a show at the House of Blues and eat in the restaurant before you can get into the venue before the main line gets in).
Armor For Sleep were better than I expected. The first time I ever saw them was a few years ago at Skate and Surf...and at the time I wasn't really into them. I than saw them again last year at Bamboozle, however I couldn't really see the band since I was all the way in the back, and for some reason I couldn't really pay any attention to them that time. So this time around I was excited and even more familiar with their music. They played a great set of mostly their latest songs off of "What To Do When You're Dead"Great music, great set...but I still couldn't wait for Taking Back Sunday to take the stage.
Underoath was next, and I have to say that I saw them twice before, and yes they were good, but the last two times I've seen them they were better...maybe because they didn't preach their religious faith and beliefs to all of the crowd (yes that bothered me, I understand that they are a Christian band, but I don't think that they should preach about Jesus and how we should all follow Jesus) And their keyboardist really really bothered me. The first time I saw them, he actually played...and this time he pressed a key, if that. All in all though they were good. But a part of me wished that they would have opened instead of Armor For Sleep.
And than the band of all bands: Taking Back Sunday hit the stage. It was great. Since we got to "pass the line" and got in earlier than the general public, my friends and I got up pretty close, like maybe two rows off of barrier, which meant I could actually see! Imagine that! They were absolutely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! They played a lot of new stuff from "Louder Now," a good amount off of "Where You Want To Be" and some classic favorites from "Tell All Your Friends". The show could not have been any better. Words can't describe how great they sounded, and how much fun my friends and I had.
And I have to say this: I give TBS so much credit after Saturday night. Adam, the singer, was violently ill, like running off the stage a few times to vomit kind of ill. With that being said the band could have easily have cancelled the show or rescheduled it. But no they didn't they played an entire set plus a three or four song encore. You could really tell that this band loves their fans, and loves playing music, not because of the extras, but because it's simply what they love doing.
As much as Taking Back Sunday was the highlight for me, so was getting to see my most favoritest guitar player, Fred Mascherino. What can I say I love him...he's my hero! And I could actually see him perform, I didn't have to stand on my very tippy toes or look at the TV screen to see him...he was right in front of me.
But one thing during their set had to go: Gumba Johnny (thanks to Jenna for naming that jerk!). Gomba was sloshed! Absolutely drunk as a skunk...now me and my friends don't take drunks well, especially those in the pit. And Gumba was overly annoying...before TBS taking stage Gumba had pushed, shoved, elbowed, etc us for no apparent reason...the music wasn't even playing so he couldn't use the excuse that he was trying to open up a pit...cause he couldn't dance! So now, Gumba Johnny walks past me during TBS and shoves me. I may be small coming in at 4'11" but I don't take stuff like that sitting down. I shoved him back making him stumble and almost fall. I don't think he expected me to do that, but after that he didn't both me again!
Ok, so I hope you're getting the gist that this was one amazing show. But like all things it had to come to an end. After the show we decided to try our luck at the slots. Needless to say, my friends boyfriend had all the luck Saturday evening winning a whopping 11 dollars. After winning, he went on line to cash in his voucher for his huge cash prize while me and my two friends waited there for him. Now you got to understand one thing: this one time my friends and I really didn't do anything to provoke anyone to do anything. So we're standing there, talking amongst ourselves when this want to be scene guy walks up to us waving his fist in all of our faces. And than walks away still waving his fist at us. Why he did this is beyond me? And no, we had no clue to who this wannabe was.
This guy was really stupid, not for waving his fist in our faces (which was a bad move to begin with because anyone who knows my one friend especially, would never pull a stunt like that...let's just say she could have taken this guy if need be.) but for doing it in front of the security booth of the Showboat Casino. Long story short, this wannabe scene boy was escorted out by three staff members of the Showboat! That made our night...and as he walked past us, we laughed...in his face!
Now, my friend whose gift this was, had no clue what we were up to because for the past two months we hid it from it since it was a surprise. And for three weeks leading up to this past Saturday, we dropped little hints to help her along the way. To say the least, they didn't do much help for her because she thought we were taking her to Medieval Times. We blindfolded her all the way from our hotel to The Showboat Casino where the venue was, and we knew once she took off her blindfold and saw we were at a casino, would be disappointed because A) she doesn't gamble and B) because she only brought 20 bucks with her. But I took out the Ticketmaster printed tickets and showed them to her and she was overly excited...cause let's face it we all love Taking Back Sunday.
So we walk around the boardwalk, bought some saltwater taffy, and than made our way to The House of Blues for both the show and dinner (we ate there because of this really cool feature that they have...if you are going to a show at the House of Blues and eat in the restaurant before you can get into the venue before the main line gets in).
Armor For Sleep were better than I expected. The first time I ever saw them was a few years ago at Skate and Surf...and at the time I wasn't really into them. I than saw them again last year at Bamboozle, however I couldn't really see the band since I was all the way in the back, and for some reason I couldn't really pay any attention to them that time. So this time around I was excited and even more familiar with their music. They played a great set of mostly their latest songs off of "What To Do When You're Dead"Great music, great set...but I still couldn't wait for Taking Back Sunday to take the stage.
Underoath was next, and I have to say that I saw them twice before, and yes they were good, but the last two times I've seen them they were better...maybe because they didn't preach their religious faith and beliefs to all of the crowd (yes that bothered me, I understand that they are a Christian band, but I don't think that they should preach about Jesus and how we should all follow Jesus) And their keyboardist really really bothered me. The first time I saw them, he actually played...and this time he pressed a key, if that. All in all though they were good. But a part of me wished that they would have opened instead of Armor For Sleep.
And than the band of all bands: Taking Back Sunday hit the stage. It was great. Since we got to "pass the line" and got in earlier than the general public, my friends and I got up pretty close, like maybe two rows off of barrier, which meant I could actually see! Imagine that! They were absolutely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! They played a lot of new stuff from "Louder Now," a good amount off of "Where You Want To Be" and some classic favorites from "Tell All Your Friends". The show could not have been any better. Words can't describe how great they sounded, and how much fun my friends and I had.
And I have to say this: I give TBS so much credit after Saturday night. Adam, the singer, was violently ill, like running off the stage a few times to vomit kind of ill. With that being said the band could have easily have cancelled the show or rescheduled it. But no they didn't they played an entire set plus a three or four song encore. You could really tell that this band loves their fans, and loves playing music, not because of the extras, but because it's simply what they love doing.
As much as Taking Back Sunday was the highlight for me, so was getting to see my most favoritest guitar player, Fred Mascherino. What can I say I love him...he's my hero! And I could actually see him perform, I didn't have to stand on my very tippy toes or look at the TV screen to see him...he was right in front of me.
But one thing during their set had to go: Gumba Johnny (thanks to Jenna for naming that jerk!). Gomba was sloshed! Absolutely drunk as a skunk...now me and my friends don't take drunks well, especially those in the pit. And Gumba was overly annoying...before TBS taking stage Gumba had pushed, shoved, elbowed, etc us for no apparent reason...the music wasn't even playing so he couldn't use the excuse that he was trying to open up a pit...cause he couldn't dance! So now, Gumba Johnny walks past me during TBS and shoves me. I may be small coming in at 4'11" but I don't take stuff like that sitting down. I shoved him back making him stumble and almost fall. I don't think he expected me to do that, but after that he didn't both me again!
Ok, so I hope you're getting the gist that this was one amazing show. But like all things it had to come to an end. After the show we decided to try our luck at the slots. Needless to say, my friends boyfriend had all the luck Saturday evening winning a whopping 11 dollars. After winning, he went on line to cash in his voucher for his huge cash prize while me and my two friends waited there for him. Now you got to understand one thing: this one time my friends and I really didn't do anything to provoke anyone to do anything. So we're standing there, talking amongst ourselves when this want to be scene guy walks up to us waving his fist in all of our faces. And than walks away still waving his fist at us. Why he did this is beyond me? And no, we had no clue to who this wannabe was.
This guy was really stupid, not for waving his fist in our faces (which was a bad move to begin with because anyone who knows my one friend especially, would never pull a stunt like that...let's just say she could have taken this guy if need be.) but for doing it in front of the security booth of the Showboat Casino. Long story short, this wannabe scene boy was escorted out by three staff members of the Showboat! That made our night...and as he walked past us, we laughed...in his face!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)