End of the Semester Journalism Awards

I was actually surprised that my fellow classmates enjoyed my projects enough to vote for me to receive 2nd place for best Storify, in which I wrote about Lady Gaga and all of her accomplishments she has had in the mast couple months. And also to receive 3rd place for best digital visualization, in this project I showed were 48 different speed cameras are in the city of Chicago. I am truly blessed and honored to have receive these awards, thanks everyone who voted for me!

Serengeti Lion: National Geographic Multi Media

My multi media critique is on, The National Geographic, The Serengeti Lion. This multi media project has videos of lions playing in the Serengeti, doing their every day tasks, taking care of their young, hunting, playing, etc. The story takes you to many different areas of the Serengeti Lions. It shows what their life it like, it has sounds that enhance the video aspects such as roaring, growling, other habitat sounds such as birds, wind, small bug sounds.. etc which makes you feel that you are apart of the journey with them. Along with a commentary that gives information about them, it gives more information about them and what the section is about, the commentary is short and sweet and allows you to take in all the videos and photos with out the distraction of a voice speaking to you. 

I especially enjoyed the Robot section, this is when The National Geographic put in their camera robot to get a closer, more intimate look at the lions, though you would think that the lions would attack this new object in their territory they were not concerned about it, which I though was very interesting. I also enjoyed how there are different sections that allow the viewer to understand the Serengeti Lions, it made it simple to understand and to grasp knowledge about them. It also showed one main video for the section, along with still shot photos of the event that they were taping on, which I though captured a lot of emotion as well. 

The baby lions made it very hard to not stop watching they were so cute, and playful that it made it feel happy, I also very much enjoyed the roaring section as well, it showed the male lion roaring and communicating with other lions, this showed the power and how they truly live by their name, “The King of the Jungle.” 

Overall, I loved this multi media project is was very entertaining, educational, and overall gave the viewer a first hand look of what the Serengeti lion does within its habitat. This also allowed viewers to think they were in the Serengeti with them, especially with the habitat noises and video sounds, and the videos that the project had. After watching this, I now want to travel to Africa and go on a Safari to see these majestic animals in person, along with all the other animals that live in the Serengeti as well. I believe that this would be a truly unforgettable experience. 

Check out the project here: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/serengeti-lion/index.html#/roar

12 Hour Day With Out Social Media

A 12 hour day without any social media was actually very difficult for me. I am constantly on my phone, checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, and even texting, wondering what everyone else is up to throughout the day. I think no texting for 12 hours was the most difficult for me, I am always texting someone, or texting someone back. I felt very out of the loop, and very isolated from not being able to do this. Though at the same time life without social media for just 12 hours was beneficial, relaxing and engaging as well. 

By not using social media for this time, it allowed me to be more aware of what people were talking about, engaging in conversations more and being able to just talk rather than looking at my phone and making the other person feel that I am ignoring them by looking at something else. I also feel this way when I did not have a phone, people would always be on their phone when I was talking or trying to ask a question and I would have to repeat myself multiple times in order to get the message through or for them to finally understand what I was asking. This allowed me to see how I must come across to others when I do this to them. By not being on my phone most of the day it also allowed me to be more aware of my surroundings and to just relax and be in the moment without worrying about social media drama. 

Throughout this project I came up with why life is a lot better without social media, here are a couple examples I came up with. You don't have to constantly compare your life to others, it feels so good to just focus on what is going on in you're life rather than comparing your life to anthers such as achievements that they have accomplished. Another example is, you become more sociable, the phone is like a crutch is it always there yet it is not always great it creates a less sociable environment because people rely on talking through the phone rather than face to face. And finally I have found that I do not procrastinate as much when social media is not around, whenever I am doing homework, I was seem to be side tracked by Facebook or other social media sites which makes the process of competition longer than it took me to complete the same assignment when I was not side tracked by Facebook. 

Overall, this assignment was very beneficial for me, it allowed me to see what people my perceive me as when I am constantly on the phone, it also showed me how much of a distraction it is for me especially when I am completing assignments, how more sociable I become throughout this 12 hour period, and finally it helped me not to compare my self to others but to pay attention more to myself. 

Abbey Niezgoda: Multi Media Journalist

The multimedia journalist I have chose is Abbey Niezgoda she is a Tv news reporter for the NBC Connecticut today. She enjoys reporting on  breaking news, stories that inspire viewers along with educate the community, and viewers. One of her most memorable moments of her career was watching a 12-year-old paralyzed gymnast stand up for the first time after suffering from a mysterious illness. 

On her website she has many videos of the stories she has captured throughout her time as a TV news anchor. All of her videos are effective and creates a personal touch that all viewers can understand. My favorite video she has on her site is the “Firefighters Funeral.” it shows true emotions of what visitors are feeling, along with the love and support firefighters from different departments even if they did not know him. Firefighters are a family they are all brothers, even if they are not know the firefighter that passed away. Abbey even explains a tradition that firefighters do with the remembrance cards in which place them in their hats throughout the ceremony. 

Abbey truly hits every emotion within her videos, her tone of voice makes it you feel comfortable and allows you to stay in engaged in the story. I also like how she can cover all different kinds of news, rather than just one specific topic. It shows that she is well rounded and can relate to everyones stories. She is just located on her website, but she knows the importance of social media in which she has a huge following on both Twitter and Facebook, to keep her viewers updated on latest events occurring within their state, along with the United States. 

Overall, I think Abbey Niezgoda is a very effected multimedia 

journalist, she can capture emotion, yet can get straight to the point of her stories to make sure that her viewers get a clear understanding what is going on. 

Check out more of her work here: www.abbeytv.com/

The New York Times Social Media Policy

I chose to critique The New York Times, social media policy. I like how the first point of their policy is to stating, that no one shall upload, or distribute, absence, pornographic, abusive or illegal material. I think this allows their site to stay notable and reliable. Social media brings a lot of people outside comments, and which could lead into disrespectful language. Another point the New York times mentions is, “ Use of respectful language, Like any community, the online conversation flourishes only when our Members feel welcome and safe. You agree not to use language that abuses or discriminates on the basis of race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual preference, age, region, disability, etc. Hate speech of any kind is grounds for immediate and permanent suspension of access to all or part of the Services.” Along with “Debate, do not attack.” Though NYT encourages active discussions and welcomes heated debate on the Services, commentaries are found disrespecting others or creating personal attacks, “is a these Terms of Service and are grounds for immediate and permanent suspension of access to all or part of the Service.” I also like the 3.5 policy part as well, this states that you are responsible for your submission though The New York Times has the right to delete, move or edit any submission that is sent that includes, abusive, defamatory, obscene, and violation of copy right and trade marks. I know debating can get pretty heated especially when a topic is being talked about that is very important to you. And when others are attacking what you think is right this can lead to over stepping your words, and using hurtful words towards others in the debate/ discussion. I believe the New York Times social media policy, is ver fair and very well written, it states what they encourage, what they do not encourage, and the potential outcomes of being disrespectful on their site.

 http://www.nytimes.com/content/help/rights/terms/terms-of-service.html#discussions

Chicago Speed Cameras

Being a driver in Chicago can be hectic, crazy and stressful. You have cabs trying to get around you, other cars, buses, people walking, bicycle riders and much more happening around you. The last thing you want to worry about is getting a speeding ticket or a red light ticket. I have found about 45 different places around Chicago with red light cameras, and speeding cameras. Take a look and see how many there are, and how close they are to one another. You can see that many of these cameras are located by major park areas such as, Lincoln park, McKinley park. I believe the reason why they are here are because there are many pedestrians and people around these areas, this is helping drivers be aware that they need to follow the speed limit to not only help them but also to avoid a tragic accident.  I also found that there are a couple by the Airport as well, again the high pedestrian rate in this area is speed camera benefit. Chicago is a very busy place and there is always something happening, and this is why that speed cameras and red light cameras are put into place to help everyones safety. Though it may be annoying getting a ticket in the mail, it also teaches you a lesson on staying the speed limit even though it is hard when cars are behind you giving you the middle finger but they'll be glad you followed the rules and kept them from getting a ticket or even worse causing an accident

15 foods you can make in 15 min

Being a college student, it is hard to juggle everything from class, work, extra curricular, and let along having time to make food. I recently found this article on Buzzfeed that shows 15 different foods you can make in 15 min. I recently just made the Chicken and Asparagus stir fry. The chicken took about 5 min top to cook on the stove and with the simple sauce of honey, garlic, and soy sauce made the whole dish come together. Not only is this dish delicious but it is also healthy. Which is another problem students in college face, since we are always so busy we tend to lean on microwaveable dinners which are high in sodium, and carbs, along with eating a bag of chips or just continuously snacking when pulling all nighters. All 15 of these dishes are simple, fresh, and create a healthy balance. My next dish on this list I want to try is the Margarita Pizza and the Gouda, and peppers and mushroom Quesadilla.

 Check out all 15 here: http://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/15-minute-dinners#.kwZeXwQw