Monday, May 12, 2008
Textbook Review
I enjoyed the book. It was not hard or complicated to understand. The book was also interesting, and made me want to continue reading, as opposed to some other textbooks which you read the first couple of sentences and your bored. Everything was also laid out well. I honestly do not think that anything needs to be changed with this textbook.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Former Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick Educates Students at Towson University
“Those who won’t are no better than those who can’t,” said former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens Brian Billick, in a speech before Towson University students and faculty.
Billick spoke to an audience of 100 in Smith Hall last Thursday, in honor of receiving a lifetime achievement award for his accomplishments in the public relations field. Billick, who graduated from Brigham Young University, “never intended to use his communications degree,” with an emphasis in public relations. “The field was so exciting and broad based, I figured I could use the degree for anything,” says Billick. Although he had no intent of utilizing his degree, he began his career as the Assistant Director of Public Relations for the San Francisco 49ers.
Throughout the speech, Billick informed the audience of what “corporate America” is seeking in an employee. He spoke of leadership, passion, and conviction. “In a bacon and egg breakfast the chicken is involved but the pig is committed. You want to be a pig,” states Billick. The suggestion of being a pig was a theme throughout the speech. Even when Billick discusses football players, he depicts some of them as being pigs and patriots (literally and figuratively), and some as being chickens and mercenaries.
Billick educated the Towson University students to “nurture the ability to develop and maintain relationships. Figure out what the person is about. How can we help one another? Make a connection.” This segment of the speech stuck with sophomore, and public relations major Karina Halvey. “Everything he said really made sense. There is much more to relationships then on a business level."
The audience listened attentively to Billick as he compared a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, to what personnel in the business world are supposed to resemble. The Baltimore Ravens were down by five, at the seven yard line. It was the final play of the game. “I have a play for every situation,” Billick stated, “although if you’ve read the Baltimore Sun I don’t.” Billick told the quarterback the play, and when it came time to execute he did not follow through, but nonetheless they won the game. When Billick asked the quarterback why he threw it to the wide receiver instead of the pass he was supposed to implement, he simply replied, “Because he was open.” The quarterback looked at the situation and came up with a better solution; he did not just do something merely because he was told,
Billick’s speech was well thought out and directly to the point. The audience laughed at his jokes, and with good reason. When asked his plans for the future Billick replied, “We’ll see. I have a huge passion for coaching, but I do not just want to coach because there is nothing else to do.” Billick is currently in the process of writing a book, and has contracts with CBS, and Fox to appear on several sports shows in the fall.
To find out more information about Brian Billick and his achievements, please visit these websites:
Baltimore Sun
WJZ News
Billick spoke to an audience of 100 in Smith Hall last Thursday, in honor of receiving a lifetime achievement award for his accomplishments in the public relations field. Billick, who graduated from Brigham Young University, “never intended to use his communications degree,” with an emphasis in public relations. “The field was so exciting and broad based, I figured I could use the degree for anything,” says Billick. Although he had no intent of utilizing his degree, he began his career as the Assistant Director of Public Relations for the San Francisco 49ers.
Throughout the speech, Billick informed the audience of what “corporate America” is seeking in an employee. He spoke of leadership, passion, and conviction. “In a bacon and egg breakfast the chicken is involved but the pig is committed. You want to be a pig,” states Billick. The suggestion of being a pig was a theme throughout the speech. Even when Billick discusses football players, he depicts some of them as being pigs and patriots (literally and figuratively), and some as being chickens and mercenaries.
Billick educated the Towson University students to “nurture the ability to develop and maintain relationships. Figure out what the person is about. How can we help one another? Make a connection.” This segment of the speech stuck with sophomore, and public relations major Karina Halvey. “Everything he said really made sense. There is much more to relationships then on a business level."
The audience listened attentively to Billick as he compared a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, to what personnel in the business world are supposed to resemble. The Baltimore Ravens were down by five, at the seven yard line. It was the final play of the game. “I have a play for every situation,” Billick stated, “although if you’ve read the Baltimore Sun I don’t.” Billick told the quarterback the play, and when it came time to execute he did not follow through, but nonetheless they won the game. When Billick asked the quarterback why he threw it to the wide receiver instead of the pass he was supposed to implement, he simply replied, “Because he was open.” The quarterback looked at the situation and came up with a better solution; he did not just do something merely because he was told,
Billick’s speech was well thought out and directly to the point. The audience laughed at his jokes, and with good reason. When asked his plans for the future Billick replied, “We’ll see. I have a huge passion for coaching, but I do not just want to coach because there is nothing else to do.” Billick is currently in the process of writing a book, and has contracts with CBS, and Fox to appear on several sports shows in the fall.
To find out more information about Brian Billick and his achievements, please visit these websites:
Baltimore Sun
WJZ News
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Chapter 14
Objectivity in Chapter 14 All the News, requires journalists to stick to observable facts and avoid injecting their opinions into news reports.
Thoroughness requires time to track down and talk with the best sources, find the best documentary evidence, and so on. The goal is to give the audience as much information as possible so they can understand what is happening and make informed decisions based on that information.
Accuracy is a vital factor in journalism. If something is not accurate is has no value. People base plans on the information they are given, so the information must be accurate.
Fairness in the simplest form, means make sure all the bases are covered. Fairness means listening to different view points and incorporating them into journalism. Fairness is about letting people respond when they think you are wrong. Fairness emerges from a state of mind. Sometimes reporters can trample the fairness aspect when they are in a rush to exposed a wrongdoing.
The idea of transparency is to gain and retain people's trust. Journalists must be as open as possible about whatever biases they bring to the job, how they get their information, and how they make decisions on choosing and reporting stories.
In my opinion I think the most important aspect is transparency. I think thoroughness, accuracy, fairness, and objectivity all fall into transparency. They must be accurate, so we are able to see where the information is coming from and if their sources are credible. With objectivity, there shouldn't be any bias, and with transparency you can see if there is. With thoroughness, we can also see where the journalist was collecting his information from and if he actually collected all the information he could. With fairness, you can allow people to respond when you are wrong, and in turn gain their trust. All of these aspects sort of fall into one.
Thoroughness requires time to track down and talk with the best sources, find the best documentary evidence, and so on. The goal is to give the audience as much information as possible so they can understand what is happening and make informed decisions based on that information.
Accuracy is a vital factor in journalism. If something is not accurate is has no value. People base plans on the information they are given, so the information must be accurate.
Fairness in the simplest form, means make sure all the bases are covered. Fairness means listening to different view points and incorporating them into journalism. Fairness is about letting people respond when they think you are wrong. Fairness emerges from a state of mind. Sometimes reporters can trample the fairness aspect when they are in a rush to exposed a wrongdoing.
The idea of transparency is to gain and retain people's trust. Journalists must be as open as possible about whatever biases they bring to the job, how they get their information, and how they make decisions on choosing and reporting stories.
In my opinion I think the most important aspect is transparency. I think thoroughness, accuracy, fairness, and objectivity all fall into transparency. They must be accurate, so we are able to see where the information is coming from and if their sources are credible. With objectivity, there shouldn't be any bias, and with transparency you can see if there is. With thoroughness, we can also see where the journalist was collecting his information from and if he actually collected all the information he could. With fairness, you can allow people to respond when you are wrong, and in turn gain their trust. All of these aspects sort of fall into one.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
lede and interview update
My main contact Stephen Chapman had informed me that he would not be able to let contact anyone from the program without permission, (which is a given) but he can not let me know until Monday or Tuesday. Our paper is due Wednesday, and I am scared I am not going to be able to obtain interviews and write a feature story in less then a day. HELP!!!
Possible Lede:
Being able to travel the world, and having your student loans paid for sounds like a dream doesn’t it? Well thanks to the Peace Corps it has become a reality for countless numbers of individuals.
Possible Lede:
Being able to travel the world, and having your student loans paid for sounds like a dream doesn’t it? Well thanks to the Peace Corps it has become a reality for countless numbers of individuals.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Brian Billick to give speech at Towson University
Famous--and recently fired--football coach Brian Billick will speak to students on campus before receiving a lifetime achievement award from the university at a gala dinner. The Towerlight editor has asked you to cover the speech.
Some basic information needed for the story would be what exactly Brian Billick has achieved in his lifetime. You can look at past news articles, or biographies about him to find out this information.
You can also create questions beforehand, because usually someone making a speech prepares it in advance, and sometimes they will send out news releases before the speech is even given.
If you have time, go out and conduct research on the topic. Possibly asking citizens their opinions of Billick would be a great addition to the story. If you can interview the people who voted or chose Billick to receive this award, then find out why they picked him.
As a reporter, you have to determine how the event will be received by the public, and what it means to them by using information given to you, such as the agenda, or information you had in advance.
You need to check the details before pritning a story. How large was the audience? Who was in attendence? Try to get names, titles, and affiliations. Also try to make a contact who is connected to the event, so you can get a chance to do a follow-up or clarify any details.
Find the most important information, or most interesting. It is not the fact that a speech is happening, but what is SAID in that speech.
One challenge you may face is getting all the questions answered. It is also not guranteed that you will understand everything.
Multimedia components that should be published along with the paper online would be past articles about Brian Billicks achievements, such as getting the Ravens to the Super Bowl, and winning. Also, possibly some video clips of him coaching would be a helpful addition.
Some basic information needed for the story would be what exactly Brian Billick has achieved in his lifetime. You can look at past news articles, or biographies about him to find out this information.
You can also create questions beforehand, because usually someone making a speech prepares it in advance, and sometimes they will send out news releases before the speech is even given.
If you have time, go out and conduct research on the topic. Possibly asking citizens their opinions of Billick would be a great addition to the story. If you can interview the people who voted or chose Billick to receive this award, then find out why they picked him.
As a reporter, you have to determine how the event will be received by the public, and what it means to them by using information given to you, such as the agenda, or information you had in advance.
You need to check the details before pritning a story. How large was the audience? Who was in attendence? Try to get names, titles, and affiliations. Also try to make a contact who is connected to the event, so you can get a chance to do a follow-up or clarify any details.
Find the most important information, or most interesting. It is not the fact that a speech is happening, but what is SAID in that speech.
One challenge you may face is getting all the questions answered. It is also not guranteed that you will understand everything.
Multimedia components that should be published along with the paper online would be past articles about Brian Billicks achievements, such as getting the Ravens to the Super Bowl, and winning. Also, possibly some video clips of him coaching would be a helpful addition.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
interview
My interview was with Stephen Chapman, who is the Public Affairs Specialist for the Peace Corps in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
My interview went well, although there a few questions he did not know the answers too. He helped me with anything I needed to know, and I could tell he felt bad when he could not give me an answer.
I think my questions were ones that needed an explanation for an answer, not just yes and no. I think I could've asked more questions. It flowed, but there was a point where I was just asking questions straight from my notes.
When I asked possibly for names of people who have benefited from this program he said he could not release any. I am stuck on how to get more interviews for people who have been helped by this organization.
My interview went well, although there a few questions he did not know the answers too. He helped me with anything I needed to know, and I could tell he felt bad when he could not give me an answer.
I think my questions were ones that needed an explanation for an answer, not just yes and no. I think I could've asked more questions. It flowed, but there was a point where I was just asking questions straight from my notes.
When I asked possibly for names of people who have benefited from this program he said he could not release any. I am stuck on how to get more interviews for people who have been helped by this organization.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Information
I contacted the Peace Corps, but I have to wait for a response until tomorrow. For the Peace Corps, volunteers can apply for deferment of Stafford, Perkins and Consolidation loans and partial cancellation of Perkins Loans. Volunteers make a difference in the lives of real people with two years of service in more than 70 developing countries.
Found on EIOBA.com:
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness program is applicable when the student can perform the following activities:
1. Perform full-time/partial service as a teacher in designated/recognized elementary or secondary school teaching students who belong to low-income family groups.
2. Perform the role of a teacher teaching children suffering from some kind of disabilities.
3. Qualified professional teachers belonging to subjects like mathematics, science, foreign languages, bilingual education.
4. Performing the role of an employee of public or non-profit child/family service agency providing services to high-risk children along with their families/
Perform any of these activities as per your loan status for acquiring Federal Student loan forgiveness.
Found on EIOBA.com:
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness program is applicable when the student can perform the following activities:
1. Perform full-time/partial service as a teacher in designated/recognized elementary or secondary school teaching students who belong to low-income family groups.
2. Perform the role of a teacher teaching children suffering from some kind of disabilities.
3. Qualified professional teachers belonging to subjects like mathematics, science, foreign languages, bilingual education.
4. Performing the role of an employee of public or non-profit child/family service agency providing services to high-risk children along with their families/
Perform any of these activities as per your loan status for acquiring Federal Student loan forgiveness.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Feature Story
"In a Flash, Ring Slips Away; Search for Diamond Sends Crews Into Muck", is a good example of a feature story. This news as stated in the chapter is certainly "less than earth shattering." This story is a birhgt because during many of the parts I found myself laughing. I liked the sentence in the article that said "When a woman loses her engagement ring in such a freakish fashion, society goes into crisis mode." Obviously it is not a "real" crisis in the terms of news, but for a woman it sure is one. I believe that this article is a narrative lede because it included dialogue and quotes to set up what happened.
Summary ledes, unlike newsstory ledes, do not try to include the 5 W's and an H, but insetad focus on giving a quick preview of what is coming. Instead of including a lot of information into a lede, the writers tries to "hook" the reader into continuing on with the rest of bthe story.
Summary ledes, unlike newsstory ledes, do not try to include the 5 W's and an H, but insetad focus on giving a quick preview of what is coming. Instead of including a lot of information into a lede, the writers tries to "hook" the reader into continuing on with the rest of bthe story.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Revised Proofread Story
Towson physicians are holding a press conference Monday morning, to oppose a bill that would permit motorcyclists to not wear helmets.
Doctors from Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Greater Baltimore Medical Center were present at the press conference, held on the front lawn of Memorial Hospital. In the audience were over 100 nurses, paramedics and other health care workers.
The doctors unveiled a petition to legislators asking them not to pass the bill. The doctors have received nearly 400 signatures, on the petition and hope to have at least 500 by the time they send it to the legislature. Dr. Karl Sodergreen said the physicians plan to send their petition to the legislature on Monday. The bill is to be considered by the legislature next Wednesday.
The number of serious head injuries caused by motorcycle accidents in
Maryland is over 70 percent less now then when the helmet law was adopted 25 years ago, said Dr. Sodergreen. He said that reduction is directly related to the passage of the law. Dr. Hector Rivera said a study from last year, about health-care costs related to motorcycle riding by the state medical society, showed that emergency room costs alone could go up by more than 45 percent if the helmet law is repealed.
Dr. Sodergreen said the physicians plan to send their petition to the
legislature on Monday. The bill is to be considered by the legislature next Wednesday.
While the press conference was going on, two ambulances came racing into the parking lot and pulled up to the emergency room with victims from a two-vehicle accident. Ironically, one of the victims injured in the accident had been on a motorcycle.
The motorcyclist injured in the accident was 19-year-old Grady Smith of 8213 Peach Street. Smith suffered a broken arm and several broken ribs. In the report from city police, his doctor was quoted as saying Smith’s injuries would have been much worse if he had not been wearing a helmet.
Proofreading is important when writing any piece. It is something that can not be rushed, or looked over once. You need to allow yourself time to sit down, read it over slowly, and be able to read it over at least three more times. When looking over your piece over do not look for every little mistake all at once. Pick a few things to focus on each time you proofread such as punctuations, or structure. Leave your work for the next day to look it over the last time. The most important thing is have other people read your work, because usually you see you're work how you want to see it.
Doctors from Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Greater Baltimore Medical Center were present at the press conference, held on the front lawn of Memorial Hospital. In the audience were over 100 nurses, paramedics and other health care workers.
The doctors unveiled a petition to legislators asking them not to pass the bill. The doctors have received nearly 400 signatures, on the petition and hope to have at least 500 by the time they send it to the legislature. Dr. Karl Sodergreen said the physicians plan to send their petition to the legislature on Monday. The bill is to be considered by the legislature next Wednesday.
The number of serious head injuries caused by motorcycle accidents in
Maryland is over 70 percent less now then when the helmet law was adopted 25 years ago, said Dr. Sodergreen. He said that reduction is directly related to the passage of the law. Dr. Hector Rivera said a study from last year, about health-care costs related to motorcycle riding by the state medical society, showed that emergency room costs alone could go up by more than 45 percent if the helmet law is repealed.
Dr. Sodergreen said the physicians plan to send their petition to the
legislature on Monday. The bill is to be considered by the legislature next Wednesday.
While the press conference was going on, two ambulances came racing into the parking lot and pulled up to the emergency room with victims from a two-vehicle accident. Ironically, one of the victims injured in the accident had been on a motorcycle.
The motorcyclist injured in the accident was 19-year-old Grady Smith of 8213 Peach Street. Smith suffered a broken arm and several broken ribs. In the report from city police, his doctor was quoted as saying Smith’s injuries would have been much worse if he had not been wearing a helmet.
Proofreading is important when writing any piece. It is something that can not be rushed, or looked over once. You need to allow yourself time to sit down, read it over slowly, and be able to read it over at least three more times. When looking over your piece over do not look for every little mistake all at once. Pick a few things to focus on each time you proofread such as punctuations, or structure. Leave your work for the next day to look it over the last time. The most important thing is have other people read your work, because usually you see you're work how you want to see it.
Lede with a fact & attrubution
"Towson University sells it's students data to credit card companies,along with granting them permission to solicit on campus," states the U.S. Public Interest Group.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
"News Story"
Towson physicians held a press conference Monday morning, to oppose a bill that would permit motorcyclists to not wear helmets.
The doctors unveiled a petition to legislators asking them not to pass the bill. The doctors have gotten nearly 400 signatures so far on the petition and hope to have at least 500 by the time they send it to the legislature. Dr. Sodergreen said the physicians plan to send their petition to the legislature on Monday. The bill is to be considered by the legislature next Wednesday.
The number of serious head injuries caused by motorcycle accidents in Maryland is over 70 percent less now then when the helmet law was adopted 25 years ago, said Dr. Karl Sodergreen. He said that reduction is directly related to passage of the law. Dr. Hector Rivera said a study from last year about health-care costs related to motorcycle riding by the state medical society showed that emergency room costs alone could go up by more than 45 percent if the helmet law is repealed.
Dr. Sodergreen said the physicians plan to send their petition to the legislature on Monday. The bill is to be considered by the legislature next Wednesday.
Doctors from Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Greater Baltimore Medical Center were present at the press conference. In the audience was over 100 nurses, paramedics and other health care workers.
The press conference was held on the front lawn of Memorial Hospital. While it was going on, two ambulances came racing into the parking lot and pulled up to the emergency room doors with victims from a two-vehicle accident. Ironically, one of the victims injured in the accident had been on a motorcycle.
The motorcyclist injured in the accident was 19-year-old Grady Smith of 8213 Peach Street. Smith suffered a broken arm and several broken ribs. In the report from city police, his doctor was quoted as saying Smiths injuries would have been much worse if he had not been wearing a helmet.
The doctors unveiled a petition to legislators asking them not to pass the bill. The doctors have gotten nearly 400 signatures so far on the petition and hope to have at least 500 by the time they send it to the legislature. Dr. Sodergreen said the physicians plan to send their petition to the legislature on Monday. The bill is to be considered by the legislature next Wednesday.
The number of serious head injuries caused by motorcycle accidents in Maryland is over 70 percent less now then when the helmet law was adopted 25 years ago, said Dr. Karl Sodergreen. He said that reduction is directly related to passage of the law. Dr. Hector Rivera said a study from last year about health-care costs related to motorcycle riding by the state medical society showed that emergency room costs alone could go up by more than 45 percent if the helmet law is repealed.
Dr. Sodergreen said the physicians plan to send their petition to the legislature on Monday. The bill is to be considered by the legislature next Wednesday.
Doctors from Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Greater Baltimore Medical Center were present at the press conference. In the audience was over 100 nurses, paramedics and other health care workers.
The press conference was held on the front lawn of Memorial Hospital. While it was going on, two ambulances came racing into the parking lot and pulled up to the emergency room doors with victims from a two-vehicle accident. Ironically, one of the victims injured in the accident had been on a motorcycle.
The motorcyclist injured in the accident was 19-year-old Grady Smith of 8213 Peach Street. Smith suffered a broken arm and several broken ribs. In the report from city police, his doctor was quoted as saying Smiths injuries would have been much worse if he had not been wearing a helmet.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Good Blog Posts!
I enjoyed Emily Kunkel's blog because she picked one section of the student body in Towson University to focus on. She talked about how spending money on art supplies increases the funds needed for school. Although it is just focused on art majors, I think a lot of people will be interested in this topic.
I also liked Noelle's blog. This is a subject that I am sure most college students, at Towson, as well as other colleges can relate too. When coming to college you just think of the money spent on tuition, books, and others materials for school itself. A lot of people do not realize how much money they are spending to enjoy their weekends.
I also liked Noelle's blog. This is a subject that I am sure most college students, at Towson, as well as other colleges can relate too. When coming to college you just think of the money spent on tuition, books, and others materials for school itself. A lot of people do not realize how much money they are spending to enjoy their weekends.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
News Story Lede
"Towson University students are being lured by credit card companies, allowed on campus with permission given from the university."
Sunday, February 17, 2008
CREDIT CARD DEBT: The ever continuing dilemma...
Three people that will make good sources for my news story is The Consumer Credit Counseling Service of MD&DE, Terri Hall the Associate Vice President of Campus Life, and a friend of my brothers, Bryce Komoroff.
Bryce is 20 years old, and lives in Brooklyn, NY. She is currently a junior at University of Delaware, and is Women’s studies major. At an early age Bryce had always had an interest in traveling, and sightseeing. Her story begins at the age of 18. Bryce had begged her parents to send her to Australia and New Zealand through a teen tour program. Four fights, three sore throats, and two tantrums later, Bryce finally got her wish. Her parents did not want to send young Bryce off to another country with hundreds of dollars in cash, so they decided to get travelers checks.
Bryce did not know what traveler’s checks even were, but she did know that she saw a club on campus offering applications for credit cards. Bryce thought to herself, “Using a credit card would be a lot easier then using these traveler checks, I know nothing about.” Bryce stated, “They made it very easy and appealing to apply for a credit card. I signed a couple of papers, and a few weeks later my credit card was waiting for me in the mail, begging me to use it.”
The next thing you know Bryce is on the other side of the world, credit card in hand and blazing. “I don’t think I even used any of my traveler’s checks,” Bryce states. “I used the credit card pretty much for everything I purchased. Food, clothes, souvenirs, you name it I bought it, and all with my credit card.” Bryce had come back from her trip with memories, experiences, and a $2,000 credit card bill. “I don’t even know how I spent that much, I was only there for two weeks!” Bryce exclaims. Being only 18, Bryce at the time did not even think that a $2,000 bill was a big deal. “My parents had always asked me for the credit card, but I brushed it off.”
Over the next two months, Bryce had used her credit card for every little thing she bought. Gifts, new wardrobes, shoes, and bags, were just some of the purchases she made. By the time Bryce’s parents put a stop to her shopping spree she had already racked up $5,000 in credit card bills. “It never hit me while using the credit card that I actually had to pay it back. It just felt empowering taking out my card and getting what I wanted, without having to hand over any cash,” Bryce says. Over the next week, Bryce’s parents cut up her credit card, and put her to work. “Because I couldn’t pay my bill all at once, in the end I would be paying more then I actually spent, and I don’t even want to get started on my credit. I was never able to pay my bills on time, so when I applied for a loan for school in my name I was turned down several times.”
Bryce now, being a little smarter with her credit card purchases, learned a valuable lesson the hard way. She currently only has one credit card, and knows the consequences if her spending got out of hand. “I have a job, and a bank account, and that makes it a little easier to manage my money. I always keep track of what I am spending, so I can actually see in paper what I am spending my money on.” When asked if she had any advice for students in the same situation she replied, “Don’t be stupid, because you will be paying in the end, and it will be much more then you want to be.”
The main point of my news story will be about colleges, and universities pushing credit cards on students, and letting organizations come on campus and try to lure students in to applying for credit cards.
Bryce is 20 years old, and lives in Brooklyn, NY. She is currently a junior at University of Delaware, and is Women’s studies major. At an early age Bryce had always had an interest in traveling, and sightseeing. Her story begins at the age of 18. Bryce had begged her parents to send her to Australia and New Zealand through a teen tour program. Four fights, three sore throats, and two tantrums later, Bryce finally got her wish. Her parents did not want to send young Bryce off to another country with hundreds of dollars in cash, so they decided to get travelers checks.
Bryce did not know what traveler’s checks even were, but she did know that she saw a club on campus offering applications for credit cards. Bryce thought to herself, “Using a credit card would be a lot easier then using these traveler checks, I know nothing about.” Bryce stated, “They made it very easy and appealing to apply for a credit card. I signed a couple of papers, and a few weeks later my credit card was waiting for me in the mail, begging me to use it.”
The next thing you know Bryce is on the other side of the world, credit card in hand and blazing. “I don’t think I even used any of my traveler’s checks,” Bryce states. “I used the credit card pretty much for everything I purchased. Food, clothes, souvenirs, you name it I bought it, and all with my credit card.” Bryce had come back from her trip with memories, experiences, and a $2,000 credit card bill. “I don’t even know how I spent that much, I was only there for two weeks!” Bryce exclaims. Being only 18, Bryce at the time did not even think that a $2,000 bill was a big deal. “My parents had always asked me for the credit card, but I brushed it off.”
Over the next two months, Bryce had used her credit card for every little thing she bought. Gifts, new wardrobes, shoes, and bags, were just some of the purchases she made. By the time Bryce’s parents put a stop to her shopping spree she had already racked up $5,000 in credit card bills. “It never hit me while using the credit card that I actually had to pay it back. It just felt empowering taking out my card and getting what I wanted, without having to hand over any cash,” Bryce says. Over the next week, Bryce’s parents cut up her credit card, and put her to work. “Because I couldn’t pay my bill all at once, in the end I would be paying more then I actually spent, and I don’t even want to get started on my credit. I was never able to pay my bills on time, so when I applied for a loan for school in my name I was turned down several times.”
Bryce now, being a little smarter with her credit card purchases, learned a valuable lesson the hard way. She currently only has one credit card, and knows the consequences if her spending got out of hand. “I have a job, and a bank account, and that makes it a little easier to manage my money. I always keep track of what I am spending, so I can actually see in paper what I am spending my money on.” When asked if she had any advice for students in the same situation she replied, “Don’t be stupid, because you will be paying in the end, and it will be much more then you want to be.”
The main point of my news story will be about colleges, and universities pushing credit cards on students, and letting organizations come on campus and try to lure students in to applying for credit cards.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Student Credit Card Debt, a Rising Crisis
It’s not enough these days that college consumes most our lives, but now it is also consuming our wallets. Credit card companies have made it incredibly easy for college students to obtain a credit card. According to BankRate.com, “the average credit card debt owed by college students is about $2,700, with close to a quarter of students owing more than $3,000. About 10 percent owed more than $7,000! That's not even including student loans.” "There are more money issues for today's students than in any other generation before them," says Todd Romer, executive director of Young Money Magazine.
Tuition and room and board are only some of what college students have to pay for, during their college years. At our own Towson University Store, “textbook sales have risen 9.96 percent over the last year, an increase of over $260,000. For the 12-month period that ended Jan. 31, textbook sales accounted for approximately 94 percent of the University Store's revenue and totaled just under $2.88 million", according to the Towerlight. Our textbook totals usually come out to over $200 depending on how many classes you are taking, and how many books each class requires. I know I am not carrying around $200 in cash with me, so obviosuly my hand goes into my wallet and out comes the plastic.
Each year we pay more and more for our textbooks. Why? The publishers of the textbooks come out with specialized books with CDs and special packets that cost you way more then just the book alone. Who needs any of those “special” materials anyway? If I am having trouble I would rather go to free tutoring then pay an extra $30 for a CD’s help. The publishers also come out with newer and newer editions every year. One kid in my Physical Geography class paid .50 cents for the fourth edition of our Geography book, while I paid $85 for my sixth edition. The only difference between the two, was mine had newer topics and a prettier cover, definitely not worth the $84.50 extra.
“The percentage of undergraduate college students with a credit card jumped from 67% in 1998 to 78% last year, according to the Nellie Mae study. And many of them are filling their wallets with cards. Last year, 32% said they had four or more cards, up from 27% two years earlier", according to USA Today.I know I personally first received a credit card in the 7th grade because I was traveling abroad, however I still have that same card today, along with 4 others. Sometimes people do not realize that using a credit card does not mean you do not have to pay for it. You certainly have to pay, and if you’re late with your payment, your $25 new top has become your new $50 top. I know many times I have used my debit card, to find that the $20 I spent I did not have in my account, so because there was no $20, they charged me an extra $32. In the past my credit card bills equaled to about $5,000, (my parents are still paying it off.)
College students have a lot more to worry about then paying bills, that’s what being an adult is for.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
JOURNALISM 2.0
The blog I chose as a “good example” of blogging is The Moment. This blog is part of New York Time’s, T Magazine. The Moment is a good example, because the authors not only write information based on what he/she is interested in, but answers readers questions as part of this blog. The Moment also includes interviews, as well “guest bloggers.” The titles of each headline give you a preview of what the blog will be about. I found this helpful because if you see something in the headline that does not necessarily interest you, you can skip over it. The Moment contains many pictures, which helps you, visualize what he/she is talking about. The blog is a lot about fashion, so you can only describe an outfit or accessory so much, but including a picture lets you actually see what the author is describing. Included in the blog, are links to past articles, and links dealing with the same topic. This gives you access to more information.
Blogging differs then other types of newswriting because newspapers usually convey a “we talk, you listen” attitude, while blogs are supposed to be conversational. At the end of each blog that I chose, there is a link for readers to make comments, whether they agree, disagree, or would just like to add information. Because the readers can make comments they become contributors.
The only blog I write and read currently is for the MCOM 255 class. If I had more time I probably would start up a blog, but I feel that I would start it, and not write another entry, until I remembered I had a blog, 2 weeks later. I do not read any blog’s probably because I thought they would only be on topics that I was not interested in. As I searched for one that exemplified a good blog, I started to see ones that I could definitely see myself reading. The topics ranged from fashion, to cooking, to sports and much more.
Blogs that would appeal to college students, probably would include information about careers, technology, and activities to do in the city they are going to school in. School only makes up so much of your actual college experience, that blogs on what is happening around the college would certainly interest me as a student. Blogs dealing with careers that students are majoring in, could give insight into the job without actually being hired. Students are constantly buying computers, Ipods, cell-phones, and much more, so being kept up to date is important.
Journalists, as well as public relations professionals could utilize blogs for the jobs without a doubt. Journalists can receive information from readers they necessarily may have not been able to receive from the resources at their job. Readers can also comment on what interests them, and what they would like to see in either the blog, or the newspaper. Public relations professionals can get their clients name out in the open with just the click of a mouse. They can give publicity in their own blogs, for events, projects, or anything else they are trying to get out in the open.
Blogging differs then other types of newswriting because newspapers usually convey a “we talk, you listen” attitude, while blogs are supposed to be conversational. At the end of each blog that I chose, there is a link for readers to make comments, whether they agree, disagree, or would just like to add information. Because the readers can make comments they become contributors.
The only blog I write and read currently is for the MCOM 255 class. If I had more time I probably would start up a blog, but I feel that I would start it, and not write another entry, until I remembered I had a blog, 2 weeks later. I do not read any blog’s probably because I thought they would only be on topics that I was not interested in. As I searched for one that exemplified a good blog, I started to see ones that I could definitely see myself reading. The topics ranged from fashion, to cooking, to sports and much more.
Blogs that would appeal to college students, probably would include information about careers, technology, and activities to do in the city they are going to school in. School only makes up so much of your actual college experience, that blogs on what is happening around the college would certainly interest me as a student. Blogs dealing with careers that students are majoring in, could give insight into the job without actually being hired. Students are constantly buying computers, Ipods, cell-phones, and much more, so being kept up to date is important.
Journalists, as well as public relations professionals could utilize blogs for the jobs without a doubt. Journalists can receive information from readers they necessarily may have not been able to receive from the resources at their job. Readers can also comment on what interests them, and what they would like to see in either the blog, or the newspaper. Public relations professionals can get their clients name out in the open with just the click of a mouse. They can give publicity in their own blogs, for events, projects, or anything else they are trying to get out in the open.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Convergent Journalism
Convergent journalism is the use of several different media types to produce a story for the people. The article written by Robert Niles was definitley an example of this. The article had stated that a number of media outlets from Southern California made use of Google’s My Maps application to inform the public about wildfires that had been occurring in the vicinity. The residents of Southern California, instead of having to wait for their news channel to report what locations were in danger, what injuries occurred, or where the fire was moving, were able to access all this information with the click of a mouse. It helped the public find out information that they may have been left in the dark about. The Google maps that we as a class produced, was an example of convergent journalism as well. We were provided with information such as names, hometowns, and majors, and were able to report it to the masses by placing the information in our maps.
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