I was on the Yahoo homepage a few minutes ago, and I found an article about Tyler Hansbrough's picture of him jumping into the pool. In this article, Eamonn Brennan said "Most college students don't get a full ride to play a sport. Most college students, unless they're journalism majors, don't take laughably easy courses designed to keep their GPAs high." I was shocked when I read this because first of all, it had nothing to do with the article, and second of all, every journalism program is different, and I definitely do not think that our courses are 'laughably easy,' or designed to keep my GPA high. If so, I would have a 4.0. I decided to post this because I thought it was something that you would find interesting.
Link: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/blog/ncaab_experts/post/Tyler-Hansbrough-
should-probably-stop-leaping-fr?urn=ncaab,81189
(There's no spaces in the link, but this was the only way I could get the whole link to fit on the screen)
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
You Don't Have To Be #1 To Know How To Party
Although it is expected for most young adults to go out and party, the University at Albany is one of the schools that have been branded with the label “party school.” Since this, the university has been working hard to disprove its reputation of a party school. Although it may have lost its title of the number one party school, Albany students definitely still know how to have a good time.
After the events of Fountain Day 2004 received so much negative attention, the university took action to change the image of the school. The University Counseling Center implemented the Did You Know? Social Norms Campaign in the Fall 2006 semester. This campaign used statistics to prove that the majority of UAlbany students do not abuse alcohol, or engage in dangerous activities. The university took a small, random sample of students that answered anonymously, increasing the chances of more honest answers. They then took these statistics and posted posters all over campus to make the information more available to others. The Counseling Center website states that “Students will also be better able to make well-informed decisions about engaging in healthy behaviors now that they have accurate information.”
During the Fall 2007 semester, posters were displayed around the school stating “74% of UAlbany students drink alcohol twice a week, less often, or not at all.” This statistic was taken from a survey of 1,117 of the 12,748 undergraduates on campus. It is questionable how accurate this statistic is when less than nine percent of UAlbany students answered. A larger sample of the campus population would most likely reveal a different statistic. Shortly after this poster was displayed across campus, a student created a Facebook group called the “Elite 26%,” an opportunity to unite the 26% percent of UAlbany students that proudly drink three times a week or more. When the group was first created, there were a substantial amount of members. However, with the year ending, there are currently 81 members in the group.
Even though most students go out at least two times a week, the only nights that are considered unacceptable to go out in the city of Albany are Sunday and Monday. “Any night is popular to go out in Albany because the bars throw themed parties and other events to attract more people to them,” says freshman Carolyn Zimmer. At the popular student bars, Tuesday nights there is no cover, Wednesday nights there are beer pong tournament, and Thursday nights tend to have a theme, such as short-lived body shot contest at Michael’s. All of these theme nights feature drink specials that cater to the wallets of college students.
Unlike some other colleges, going to bars is just as popular, if not more popular, than going to a house party. Most students go to the bars in the mid-town area of Albany, such as Chubbie’s, Michael’s, and Bogies, because they are less strict about letting underage people in. When I asked a Chubbie’s bouncer how old I had to be to get into the bar, I was told “Your ID has to say you’re 21,” with emphasis on the word “ID.” Most bouncers refused to talk about the policies of their bars on the record.
Most of the students questioned reported having little or no trouble getting into these bars. “A lot of the bars are 18 and over, they just charge more as a cover if you are under 21.” Most bars in mid-town Albany charge $5 for students with chalked ID’s, and $10 for all other students. A college ID is normally required in addition to an ID. An anonymous source that did not want to reveal her underage drinking said, “Sometimes I don't even need my chalked ID, and they just let me in.” Every UAlbany student seems to have a bar of choice. When asked, the anonymous source said, “Michael's because it's cheap, but sometimes there's really sketchy guys or fights break out so then I go to Bogies.” Zimmer said, “There is one bar/club that my friends and I usually go to because the atmosphere is nice and a lot of people I know are there.” Freshman Olga Bykhovsky also chose Michael’s as her preferred bar.
Going out in Albany can add up quickly. The students that I asked admitted to spending $10 to $20 on a night of drinking. This sums up to a $5 cover, approximately three drinks at the bar, and a $3 cab ride back to campus. UAlbany students would spend even more money on a night out, but a lot of students decide to “pregame,” or drink before going out to the bars. “It saves a lot of money and it's fun to drink with your friends before you go out,” says the student that wished to remain anonymous. Bykhovsky also pregames because “You save money, and sometimes you have more fun.” Zimmer also participates in pregaming and said, “Sometimes my friends like to because it saves money rather than spending it all at the bar.” To gain a greater perspective on the drinking habits of UAlbany students, it is important to know how much students are drinking before they go out. The anonymous student admitted to consuming an average of 6 shots of alcohol before going out to the bars to consume up to three more drinks. Some students don’t measure at all, and just drink until they feel drunk, which can be a problem. Why drink so much? “Many students' goal is to get drunk, so pregaming intensifies their night. Also, like I said before, it saves money for a lot of college students to drink before the bar,” says Zimmer.
Binge drinking is an issue at most college campuses, and UAlbany is not an exception. Our culture sees binge drinking as something that is acceptable, and sometimes expected, for young people, especially college students to do. Another issue with pregaming is that it is illegal to consume or possess alcohol in the dorms if you are under 21, especially if you live on Indian Quad or State Quad, both of which are dry quads. Students are taking a serious risk when deciding to drink on campus, and many of them end up being caught. Bykhovsky says she and her friends have never been caught pregaming, “But I do know a lot of people who have gotten caught,” she says. UAlbany may no longer hold the title of one party school, but that doesn’t mean students can’t find a place in the city to party.
After the events of Fountain Day 2004 received so much negative attention, the university took action to change the image of the school. The University Counseling Center implemented the Did You Know? Social Norms Campaign in the Fall 2006 semester. This campaign used statistics to prove that the majority of UAlbany students do not abuse alcohol, or engage in dangerous activities. The university took a small, random sample of students that answered anonymously, increasing the chances of more honest answers. They then took these statistics and posted posters all over campus to make the information more available to others. The Counseling Center website states that “Students will also be better able to make well-informed decisions about engaging in healthy behaviors now that they have accurate information.”
During the Fall 2007 semester, posters were displayed around the school stating “74% of UAlbany students drink alcohol twice a week, less often, or not at all.” This statistic was taken from a survey of 1,117 of the 12,748 undergraduates on campus. It is questionable how accurate this statistic is when less than nine percent of UAlbany students answered. A larger sample of the campus population would most likely reveal a different statistic. Shortly after this poster was displayed across campus, a student created a Facebook group called the “Elite 26%,” an opportunity to unite the 26% percent of UAlbany students that proudly drink three times a week or more. When the group was first created, there were a substantial amount of members. However, with the year ending, there are currently 81 members in the group.
Even though most students go out at least two times a week, the only nights that are considered unacceptable to go out in the city of Albany are Sunday and Monday. “Any night is popular to go out in Albany because the bars throw themed parties and other events to attract more people to them,” says freshman Carolyn Zimmer. At the popular student bars, Tuesday nights there is no cover, Wednesday nights there are beer pong tournament, and Thursday nights tend to have a theme, such as short-lived body shot contest at Michael’s. All of these theme nights feature drink specials that cater to the wallets of college students.
Unlike some other colleges, going to bars is just as popular, if not more popular, than going to a house party. Most students go to the bars in the mid-town area of Albany, such as Chubbie’s, Michael’s, and Bogies, because they are less strict about letting underage people in. When I asked a Chubbie’s bouncer how old I had to be to get into the bar, I was told “Your ID has to say you’re 21,” with emphasis on the word “ID.” Most bouncers refused to talk about the policies of their bars on the record.
Most of the students questioned reported having little or no trouble getting into these bars. “A lot of the bars are 18 and over, they just charge more as a cover if you are under 21.” Most bars in mid-town Albany charge $5 for students with chalked ID’s, and $10 for all other students. A college ID is normally required in addition to an ID. An anonymous source that did not want to reveal her underage drinking said, “Sometimes I don't even need my chalked ID, and they just let me in.” Every UAlbany student seems to have a bar of choice. When asked, the anonymous source said, “Michael's because it's cheap, but sometimes there's really sketchy guys or fights break out so then I go to Bogies.” Zimmer said, “There is one bar/club that my friends and I usually go to because the atmosphere is nice and a lot of people I know are there.” Freshman Olga Bykhovsky also chose Michael’s as her preferred bar.
Going out in Albany can add up quickly. The students that I asked admitted to spending $10 to $20 on a night of drinking. This sums up to a $5 cover, approximately three drinks at the bar, and a $3 cab ride back to campus. UAlbany students would spend even more money on a night out, but a lot of students decide to “pregame,” or drink before going out to the bars. “It saves a lot of money and it's fun to drink with your friends before you go out,” says the student that wished to remain anonymous. Bykhovsky also pregames because “You save money, and sometimes you have more fun.” Zimmer also participates in pregaming and said, “Sometimes my friends like to because it saves money rather than spending it all at the bar.” To gain a greater perspective on the drinking habits of UAlbany students, it is important to know how much students are drinking before they go out. The anonymous student admitted to consuming an average of 6 shots of alcohol before going out to the bars to consume up to three more drinks. Some students don’t measure at all, and just drink until they feel drunk, which can be a problem. Why drink so much? “Many students' goal is to get drunk, so pregaming intensifies their night. Also, like I said before, it saves money for a lot of college students to drink before the bar,” says Zimmer.
Binge drinking is an issue at most college campuses, and UAlbany is not an exception. Our culture sees binge drinking as something that is acceptable, and sometimes expected, for young people, especially college students to do. Another issue with pregaming is that it is illegal to consume or possess alcohol in the dorms if you are under 21, especially if you live on Indian Quad or State Quad, both of which are dry quads. Students are taking a serious risk when deciding to drink on campus, and many of them end up being caught. Bykhovsky says she and her friends have never been caught pregaming, “But I do know a lot of people who have gotten caught,” she says. UAlbany may no longer hold the title of one party school, but that doesn’t mean students can’t find a place in the city to party.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Journalists & First Amendment Rights
Last night's lecture in support of the First Amendment was very informative. Bob Port, senior editor at the Times Union newspaper, has been a journalist for 25 years. He claims that there are two things it takes to be a good journalist: skill and courage. He went on to say that journalism is a lonely profession, and "It takes a lot of courage," stated Port. Port also said that "Journalism these days is changing, and changing radically." This is referring to the new technology, and also the changing laws in our society.
Lucy Danglish, executive director of the Reporter's Committee for Freedom of the Press, presented a lot of information during her lecture. She spoke a lot about September 11th, and how this greatly impacted the rights of journalists to protect their sources. These events also led to the need of a Federal Shield Law. There are currently shield laws in many states, but journalists have no protection when dealing with the federal government. Protecting confidential sources is crucial to maintaining a relationship between journalists and sources. "If you make a promise to a source, you keep that promise," states Dalglish. During her lecture, she talked about Vanessa Leggett, a freelance wrtier and book author who was jailed for 168 days for not revealing her sources and refusing to turn over her research materials to the government. Journalist Toni Locy, got into a similar situation when she was subpoenaed in 2006 for not remembering her confidential sources. Locy was a journalist that periodically discarded all of her notes when she did not need them anymore, which is a problem not. Danglish then went on to give suggestions to prevent this from happening to other journalists. One of them was to go "back to basics," meaning keeping no electronic records of sources, and meeting sources in person to prevent being subpoenaed later. Danglish also suggested staying consistent with handling notes. Keeping all of your notes except for the ones dealing with a high profile case will look suspicious to the government and may lead to further problems.
Lucy Danglish, executive director of the Reporter's Committee for Freedom of the Press, presented a lot of information during her lecture. She spoke a lot about September 11th, and how this greatly impacted the rights of journalists to protect their sources. These events also led to the need of a Federal Shield Law. There are currently shield laws in many states, but journalists have no protection when dealing with the federal government. Protecting confidential sources is crucial to maintaining a relationship between journalists and sources. "If you make a promise to a source, you keep that promise," states Dalglish. During her lecture, she talked about Vanessa Leggett, a freelance wrtier and book author who was jailed for 168 days for not revealing her sources and refusing to turn over her research materials to the government. Journalist Toni Locy, got into a similar situation when she was subpoenaed in 2006 for not remembering her confidential sources. Locy was a journalist that periodically discarded all of her notes when she did not need them anymore, which is a problem not. Danglish then went on to give suggestions to prevent this from happening to other journalists. One of them was to go "back to basics," meaning keeping no electronic records of sources, and meeting sources in person to prevent being subpoenaed later. Danglish also suggested staying consistent with handling notes. Keeping all of your notes except for the ones dealing with a high profile case will look suspicious to the government and may lead to further problems.
Editorial Cartoonists
Tom Toles, editorial cartoonist for the Washington Post, creates a new cartoon for the paper everyday. His cartoons are humorous and address many of today's current issues. One of his cartoons that I liked was the one that was printed on April 25th:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/opinions/cartoonsandvideos/toles_main.html?name=Toles&date=04252008&type=c
Another editorial cartoonist, Terry Wise, has a sense of humor similar to Tom Toles. This is seen in his April 30th cartoon for the Ratland Ink Press:
I like the way that editorial cartoons are illustrated, and I also like how they can tell a big message in one small illustration with limited captioning.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/opinions/cartoonsandvideos/toles_main.html?name=Toles&date=04252008&type=c
Another editorial cartoonist, Terry Wise, has a sense of humor similar to Tom Toles. This is seen in his April 30th cartoon for the Ratland Ink Press:
Terry Wise Ratland Ink Press Apr 30, 2008 |
I like the way that editorial cartoons are illustrated, and I also like how they can tell a big message in one small illustration with limited captioning.
What Is Swiftboating?
Swiftboating is a term that refers to any attempt to destroy a political candidate's reputation based on accusations that hold no real weight. This term was born during the 2004 presidential campaign when the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth accused senator John Kerry of being a liar. The Swift Boaters claimed that Kerry's story of rescuing Jim Rassmann during the Vietnam war was false. They accused him of being a coward, and fleeing the scene when it became too dangerous. The group was successful in making the public doubt Kerry and his credibility, however they could not successfully prove their accusation.
Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21239-2004Aug21.html
Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21239-2004Aug21.html
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Albany Board of Zoning Appeals
Dozens of people gathered at Albany’s Common Council Chambers in City Hall yesterday evening for the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. The board meets with the community twice a month to consider making changes to current zoning regulations, special use and parking permits. Yesterday’s meeting resulted in a victory for the Hariett Tubman Free School, and a further division between the Fort Orange Club and the citizens of Albany.
The first case dealt with Albany’s Fort Orange Club, an upscale, private, social club in the city for distinguished business, government, and social leaders. There are currently 600 members. John Allen made this presentation. The club wants permission to tear down two buildings on Washington Avenue to provide more parking for its members. Removing these two buildings will increase the available spots from 51 to 73. The Fort Orange Club also plans on putting up decorative fence and limestone, and also new lighting for the parking lot.
A few community members boldly spoke out against this proposal. Center Square Association President Paul Fowler was one of these people. Fowler believes that tearing down these two buildings will have an impact on pedestrians in the area. He also believes that the sounds and smell of Washington Avenue will pour into the Center Square community. Albany resident Lynn Jackson spoke about this issue on behalf of John Wolcott. Wolcott wrote a passionate letter expressing his opposition towards this proposal. Wolcott believes there is “No reason for this application other than to satisfy the self-centered Fort Orange Members. Why shouldn’t they walk or take the bus like the rest of us?” He also described the proposal as anti-urban and anti-environmental. Four Orange Club member Bill Croney believes that the project will be an “aesthetic improvement.” Richard Berkley of the Hudson Park Neighbors Association said “You can always tear down buildings and build more parking. You can’t recreate old buildings.”
The other case that received a lot of public outcry at the meeting was the case of the Harriet Tubman Free School. This is the school’s second year. The previous year it was held in a library, but it is now in it’s own building on 59 Elizabeth Street, where the community would like it to remain. A remarkable 15 people attended the meeting to speak out against this issue. Among these people were professors, school employees, parents, and the Harriet Tubman Free School’s own students. All of these people expressed the necessity and benefits of not moving the school. Dave Harrison said that the Free School is “bringing life to the community.” Since attending the school, student Joshua Fick said “I feel that I have changed as a person.” All 15 people that spoke on this issue were in agreement that the school is important to the community. Because of this outcry, the community won the appeal, and the Free School supporters left the Common Council Chamber celebrating.
The first case dealt with Albany’s Fort Orange Club, an upscale, private, social club in the city for distinguished business, government, and social leaders. There are currently 600 members. John Allen made this presentation. The club wants permission to tear down two buildings on Washington Avenue to provide more parking for its members. Removing these two buildings will increase the available spots from 51 to 73. The Fort Orange Club also plans on putting up decorative fence and limestone, and also new lighting for the parking lot.
A few community members boldly spoke out against this proposal. Center Square Association President Paul Fowler was one of these people. Fowler believes that tearing down these two buildings will have an impact on pedestrians in the area. He also believes that the sounds and smell of Washington Avenue will pour into the Center Square community. Albany resident Lynn Jackson spoke about this issue on behalf of John Wolcott. Wolcott wrote a passionate letter expressing his opposition towards this proposal. Wolcott believes there is “No reason for this application other than to satisfy the self-centered Fort Orange Members. Why shouldn’t they walk or take the bus like the rest of us?” He also described the proposal as anti-urban and anti-environmental. Four Orange Club member Bill Croney believes that the project will be an “aesthetic improvement.” Richard Berkley of the Hudson Park Neighbors Association said “You can always tear down buildings and build more parking. You can’t recreate old buildings.”
The other case that received a lot of public outcry at the meeting was the case of the Harriet Tubman Free School. This is the school’s second year. The previous year it was held in a library, but it is now in it’s own building on 59 Elizabeth Street, where the community would like it to remain. A remarkable 15 people attended the meeting to speak out against this issue. Among these people were professors, school employees, parents, and the Harriet Tubman Free School’s own students. All of these people expressed the necessity and benefits of not moving the school. Dave Harrison said that the Free School is “bringing life to the community.” Since attending the school, student Joshua Fick said “I feel that I have changed as a person.” All 15 people that spoke on this issue were in agreement that the school is important to the community. Because of this outcry, the community won the appeal, and the Free School supporters left the Common Council Chamber celebrating.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Photojournalism
During Bruce Squiers’ presentation, I learned a lot about photojournalism. One of the first key points he mentioned was the term ‘visual literacy.” Squiers described this as the images that come to mind when one thinks of certain things. He also said that this is something that requires active watching and interpretation. The observer should ask the question, “What am I looking at, and why?” in order to improve visual literacy. Another way to improve visual literacy is by challenging one’s own limits, and elevating awareness of surroundings.
Another one of his key points was how to determine the “decisive moment,” the point in time in which all of the elements in the picture come together and everything is in sync. Henri Cartier Bresson further described this moment as the time where “The eye, the mind, and the heart must be aligned.”
Squiers then went on to define the four elements of photography. The first element is light, referring to control and use of light. Next, the photographer must have a sense of composition, meaning one must learn a detachment from his work and remain focused on the job. This element comes with experience. Form is the third element, which describes the certain balance that you notice when you look at a picture. The last element of photography is perspective, or wherever the photographer is when he is taking a picture. Squiers also emphasized that “You can be anywhere in the world and do great photography.” He also stated that good pictures speak for themselves, and do not require an explanation or caption to define it. I used these points to take the following picture:
UAlbany students enjoy lunch and the Springtime warmth outside at the univertsity's Campus Center Friday afternoon.
Another one of his key points was how to determine the “decisive moment,” the point in time in which all of the elements in the picture come together and everything is in sync. Henri Cartier Bresson further described this moment as the time where “The eye, the mind, and the heart must be aligned.”
Squiers then went on to define the four elements of photography. The first element is light, referring to control and use of light. Next, the photographer must have a sense of composition, meaning one must learn a detachment from his work and remain focused on the job. This element comes with experience. Form is the third element, which describes the certain balance that you notice when you look at a picture. The last element of photography is perspective, or wherever the photographer is when he is taking a picture. Squiers also emphasized that “You can be anywhere in the world and do great photography.” He also stated that good pictures speak for themselves, and do not require an explanation or caption to define it. I used these points to take the following picture:
UAlbany students enjoy lunch and the Springtime warmth outside at the univertsity's Campus Center Friday afternoon.
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