What is the internet ? The internet "is a worldwide, publicly accessible series of interconnected computer networks that transmit data by packet switching using the standard Internet Protocol." What does this mean in layman's terms? The internet teaches its users through fast and accessible knowledge and interaction with others. Being connected means involving the user. Whether it is buying ringtones, chatting on a web cam, or watching a user-contributed video, the viewer is engaged.
The internet is more than just the World Wide Web. It is MySpace. It is Facebook. It is eBay. It is social networking. It is the iPhone. It is the Blackberry. It is mobile technology. I never thought the day would come that you could access the internet on a cell phone. But, that day did come. With the dot-com bubble burst in 2001, Web 1.0 was on its way out and a new era was dawning for the internet. Web 1.0 was boring. It was outdated. And it did not involve collaborative effort on the part of the user. Web 2.0, on the other hand, is a "participartory web."
Web 1.0 versus Web 2.0 is the biggest step forward in the evolution of the World Wide Web . It is reading versus writing, companies versus communities, client-server versus peer to peer, home pages verus blogs, lectures versus conversation, advertising versus word of mouth, HTML versus XML. You get the idea. It's old school versus a "perceived second generation of web-based communities." Web 2.0 also creates a social element where users can generate and distribute content. Web 2.0 is utilized through sites like YouTube and Digg in allowing users to contribute and share their own content. The media could gain from Web 2.0 by using it as a platform to engage interest in their companies because it relies heavily on user interactivity. It will be interesting to see where the web will take us next..how much more interactive can we get?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
First man walks on the Moon
The race to the moon is over. NASA celebrates the first man in history to walk on the Moon's surface. Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin and Michael Collins made up the Apollo 11 team that blasted off from Kennedy Space Center four days ago. Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the Moon. The two went down on the Lunar Module, called the Eagle. Collins stayed in orbit while performing experiments and taking pictures. The astronauts walked around for three hours. They also did experiments, picked up bits of Moon dirt and rock and placed a U.S. flag on the Moon. All three astronauts came back to Earth safely. It has taken less than 10 years. President Kennedy's wish has come true. Man has walked on the Moon.
Multimedia
- Video of the astronauts in orbit and landing on the moon's surface
- Photo slide show of the astronaut's preparation for the mission
- Pictures/Bios about Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins
- Pictures/Descriptions/Samples of the experiments and data collected on the mission
- Timeline of NASA space mission history
- Interview with astronauts via satellite in orbit
- Interview with doctors/space mission team
- A link to buy: Apollo 11 mission biography
- Online poll: Did you expect NASA to be the first to put a man on the moon?
- User-contributed media link (message boards)
I would like to talk to/get facts from
- Doctors that prepared the men for space
- NASA's Apollo 11 space/control crew
- Armstrong/Aldrin/Collins on their first-hand experience
- engineers that built the spacecraft
- President Kennedy on his thoughts for the Apollo 11 mission
- personal accounts from the astronaut's family members
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Sex Apnea: People that commit violent sex crimes in their sleep
Stanford researchers believe that a medical disorder known as "sleep sex" is the cause of a medical disorder caused by glitches in brain waves during sleep. It causes rape-like behavior towards bed partners. Behavior ranges from disruptive moaning to full on physical sexual attacks while in the dream-like state.
"One man actually tried to strangle his wife while on the throes of one of these disturbances. Another victim tried to stop the behavior by using restraints. He broke two fingers while attempting, in his sleep, to escape. " Sex apnea is treatable . Some people both men and women have been putting themselves and others at risk for years. The disturbances have gone unreported because of fear and embarrassment. Many sufferers believe that nothing can be done, but the disorder can be treated. Sex apnea can be treated with Valium or even treatment used for people with sleep breathing problems.
Recently, Dr. Michael Mangan wrote the first and only book about sleep sex, Sleepsex: Uncovered . The author discusses how people feel about the problem, possible causes and dangers - for instance, legal implications. Some people have been falsely accused of rape and assault while in the throes of an attack of sleepsex. "Currently sleepsex has not been classified as a unique type of sleep disorder." He goes on to explain that it is, in fact, a variant of sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is classified as an arousal disorder, and, more generally, as a parasomnia. He covers the negative experience and the positive experience including another look at the dark and bright sides of the disorder. Finally, he has some suggestions as to things one can do about sleepsex.
Dr. Simone O'Gorman is currently putting together an international documentary on sleep sex. The world’s leading experts on this sleep disorder have agreed to be involved in what will be a scientifically accurate investigation into sexual behavior that occurs in sleep. Some people seem to enjoy it and view it with a sense of humor. However, it can be disturbing, annoying, embarrassing and is a potentially serious problem for some couples and individuals.
Cosmo would benefit greatly from a story about sex apnea. It would be an eye opening experience for its audience about a disorder that often gets swept under the rug. The article would be featured in the Health Check section of the magazine under real-world stories of Cosmo's readers. The sex apnea article would appeal to all ages because it is a health concern that has very little research done to educate the general public. Readers would also have the opportunity to purchase Dr. Mangan's book and participate in Dr. O'Gorman's documentary on sleep sex. The article would also feature multimedia options to further interest the reader including:
"One man actually tried to strangle his wife while on the throes of one of these disturbances. Another victim tried to stop the behavior by using restraints. He broke two fingers while attempting, in his sleep, to escape. " Sex apnea is treatable . Some people both men and women have been putting themselves and others at risk for years. The disturbances have gone unreported because of fear and embarrassment. Many sufferers believe that nothing can be done, but the disorder can be treated. Sex apnea can be treated with Valium or even treatment used for people with sleep breathing problems.
Recently, Dr. Michael Mangan wrote the first and only book about sleep sex, Sleepsex: Uncovered . The author discusses how people feel about the problem, possible causes and dangers - for instance, legal implications. Some people have been falsely accused of rape and assault while in the throes of an attack of sleepsex. "Currently sleepsex has not been classified as a unique type of sleep disorder." He goes on to explain that it is, in fact, a variant of sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is classified as an arousal disorder, and, more generally, as a parasomnia. He covers the negative experience and the positive experience including another look at the dark and bright sides of the disorder. Finally, he has some suggestions as to things one can do about sleepsex.
Dr. Simone O'Gorman is currently putting together an international documentary on sleep sex. The world’s leading experts on this sleep disorder have agreed to be involved in what will be a scientifically accurate investigation into sexual behavior that occurs in sleep. Some people seem to enjoy it and view it with a sense of humor. However, it can be disturbing, annoying, embarrassing and is a potentially serious problem for some couples and individuals.
Cosmo would benefit greatly from a story about sex apnea. It would be an eye opening experience for its audience about a disorder that often gets swept under the rug. The article would be featured in the Health Check section of the magazine under real-world stories of Cosmo's readers. The sex apnea article would appeal to all ages because it is a health concern that has very little research done to educate the general public. Readers would also have the opportunity to purchase Dr. Mangan's book and participate in Dr. O'Gorman's documentary on sleep sex. The article would also feature multimedia options to further interest the reader including:
- Video Clips of an interview with sex apnea expert Dr. Mangan
- Bios on individuals suffering from sex apnea
- Online poll: Do you believe sex apnea is a diagnosed and treatable disorder?
- A link to purchase Dr. Mangan's book Sleepsex: Undiscovered
- A link to participate in Dr. Simone O'Gorman's international documentary on sleep sex
Monday, November 12, 2007
Social Networking: Facebook versus MySpace
MySpace and Facebook are two of the biggest social networking systems on the net. Personally, I prefer the latter of the two. I think the appeal is widespread for most internet users. It's obviously a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. Beyond that, they are user-friendly and a healthy way to express your creativity. There are, however, a few drawbacks to these programs.
There are definitely elements of both networks that are better than the other. Facebook is the most familiar to me since I use it everyday. The privacy settings are superb and the user-customization features make the program individual to your own personality. I liked how Facebook was originally open only to college students and alumni. That was what set it apart from MySpace. It was like the club everyone wanted to be a part of. It felt exclusive. Now, any idiot can join. "Facebook is becoming a bunch of bullshit. I liked it when it was just for us college elitist snobs. Now the pothead losers who dropped out of high school or the jocks working at Mcdonalds want in and are ruining it," one Digg user commented.
In contrast, MySpace is almost distracting with the wide variety of options available to the user. There are far too many options for design. "MySpace would be so much better without the huge glitter text, tacky backgrounds and horrible music. Basically, they need to destroy the current infrastructure and start fresh; the current one can't be saved," another Digg user added. In terms of actually keeping in touch with friends, MySpace falls short. It should instead be used for musicians who want to promote their music, which was its original purpose to begin with.
The problem is not that the sites are missing anything at all, the problem is that they are overloaded with applications. "It is the choice and variety of applications and the information being pushed at us that makes it overwhelming. The next phase should be cleaning up and making things easy to use. Most importantly, Facebook needs to make it easier to communicate, which could be as simple as making the Wall more prominent," Alex Iskold writes. My biggest frustration with using Facebook has been the news feed application. It's distracting and invading. Bottom line, Facebook should not bombard you with other people's pictures, videos, and applications they've added. It's not the clean, simple and focused Facebook I originally joined.
How could these sites be made better? Facebook has taken a giant leap toward the answer. "Facebook’s strategy is almost the polar opposite from MySpace. While MySpace frets over third party widgets, alternatively shutting them down or acquiring them, Facebook is now opening up its core functions to all outside developers," Tech Crunch's Michael Arrington. I don't know that promotional advertising for these sites is the answer. That only opens up a whole new set of frustrations. I think both sites should go back to their original platforms and intended purposes. Because in 10 years, where will these sites be? Time will only tell..
There are definitely elements of both networks that are better than the other. Facebook is the most familiar to me since I use it everyday. The privacy settings are superb and the user-customization features make the program individual to your own personality. I liked how Facebook was originally open only to college students and alumni. That was what set it apart from MySpace. It was like the club everyone wanted to be a part of. It felt exclusive. Now, any idiot can join. "Facebook is becoming a bunch of bullshit. I liked it when it was just for us college elitist snobs. Now the pothead losers who dropped out of high school or the jocks working at Mcdonalds want in and are ruining it," one Digg user commented.
In contrast, MySpace is almost distracting with the wide variety of options available to the user. There are far too many options for design. "MySpace would be so much better without the huge glitter text, tacky backgrounds and horrible music. Basically, they need to destroy the current infrastructure and start fresh; the current one can't be saved," another Digg user added. In terms of actually keeping in touch with friends, MySpace falls short. It should instead be used for musicians who want to promote their music, which was its original purpose to begin with.
The problem is not that the sites are missing anything at all, the problem is that they are overloaded with applications. "It is the choice and variety of applications and the information being pushed at us that makes it overwhelming. The next phase should be cleaning up and making things easy to use. Most importantly, Facebook needs to make it easier to communicate, which could be as simple as making the Wall more prominent," Alex Iskold writes. My biggest frustration with using Facebook has been the news feed application. It's distracting and invading. Bottom line, Facebook should not bombard you with other people's pictures, videos, and applications they've added. It's not the clean, simple and focused Facebook I originally joined.
How could these sites be made better? Facebook has taken a giant leap toward the answer. "Facebook’s strategy is almost the polar opposite from MySpace. While MySpace frets over third party widgets, alternatively shutting them down or acquiring them, Facebook is now opening up its core functions to all outside developers," Tech Crunch's Michael Arrington. I don't know that promotional advertising for these sites is the answer. That only opens up a whole new set of frustrations. I think both sites should go back to their original platforms and intended purposes. Because in 10 years, where will these sites be? Time will only tell..
Saturday, November 3, 2007
meeting with Peggy
I set up my phone conference with Peggy Collins for Friday October 26th at 4:00 pm. When I first emailed her to set up a "meeting" time, I asked her what I should be preparing for the conversation. Peggy told me to think of any questions I might have about Online Journalism and what I had gotten out of the class this semester. Immediately, I panicked. The thoughts had not even crossed my mind. But, when I really sat down and thought about it, the answers were simple. Online Journalism has catapulted my mind into areas of journalism I never knew existed.
I will never forget the first day I walked into class. I was an "add in" so I had missed the first lecture. Staci Wolfe , our classroom lecturer, was standing at the front, but another woman was speaking live via satellite from a projection screen. First, I was confused and second, I was intimidated. What in the world had I gotten myself into? Why did my class have two teachers? And why was I a junior in college and had virtually no experience with the programs we were going to be using?
As the weeks rolled on, all of my trepidations about JEM 222 disappeared. Peggy, our online lecturer, has been a big help in working with our class. She gave lecture notes and helpful tips to improve our writing. Peggy also collaborated with Staci to build the class curriculum and keep the assignments fresh and interesting. I have learned more about myself as a writer in taking this class than ever before. Online Journalism has allowed me to use the skills I have practiced for years and finally produce a product.
My favorite assignment was the magazine writing assignment. I studied Cosmopolitan magazine's website. I was blown away by the effort that went in to online appeal for magazines. I would love to take a class that focused primarily on online magazine development. Online Journalism has been the bane of my existence at times and the most rewarding class at the same time. I have worked so hard on developing my writing and becoming a better journalist. Compared to the beginning of class, I have a new appreciation for online journalists, a profession I never knew existed.
Peggy's phone conversation with me went better than expected. I was a little nervous when she first called, but the more we talked, the more I wanted to open up. She offered helpful advice about making my stories "flow" and not sound quite like a book report. Peggy also gave me an opportunity to voice what I liked and didn't like about the course. I did not care for the weather story assignment because I was unsure of the graphic portion to the story, but I loved the one- on-one interview. Peggy even commented on my strong interviewing skills. Maybe I have found my calling after all! We ended the conversation with aggreance on both sides that the semester had been successful thus far. I'll be interested to see what the remainder of the term has in store..
I will never forget the first day I walked into class. I was an "add in" so I had missed the first lecture. Staci Wolfe , our classroom lecturer, was standing at the front, but another woman was speaking live via satellite from a projection screen. First, I was confused and second, I was intimidated. What in the world had I gotten myself into? Why did my class have two teachers? And why was I a junior in college and had virtually no experience with the programs we were going to be using?
As the weeks rolled on, all of my trepidations about JEM 222 disappeared. Peggy, our online lecturer, has been a big help in working with our class. She gave lecture notes and helpful tips to improve our writing. Peggy also collaborated with Staci to build the class curriculum and keep the assignments fresh and interesting. I have learned more about myself as a writer in taking this class than ever before. Online Journalism has allowed me to use the skills I have practiced for years and finally produce a product.
My favorite assignment was the magazine writing assignment. I studied Cosmopolitan magazine's website. I was blown away by the effort that went in to online appeal for magazines. I would love to take a class that focused primarily on online magazine development. Online Journalism has been the bane of my existence at times and the most rewarding class at the same time. I have worked so hard on developing my writing and becoming a better journalist. Compared to the beginning of class, I have a new appreciation for online journalists, a profession I never knew existed.
Peggy's phone conversation with me went better than expected. I was a little nervous when she first called, but the more we talked, the more I wanted to open up. She offered helpful advice about making my stories "flow" and not sound quite like a book report. Peggy also gave me an opportunity to voice what I liked and didn't like about the course. I did not care for the weather story assignment because I was unsure of the graphic portion to the story, but I loved the one- on-one interview. Peggy even commented on my strong interviewing skills. Maybe I have found my calling after all! We ended the conversation with aggreance on both sides that the semester had been successful thus far. I'll be interested to see what the remainder of the term has in store..
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