As my followers already may know, this blog is kept for a class. I thought it would be nice for the readers to see the work we do is actually worth while sometimes, and is not always just ramblings about whatever we feel like talking about. Feel free to comment on any of the features written by myself and my fellow classmates-- let us know what you think!
http://bsureporter.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Lebroshade SUCKS
Looks like the overrated, attention loving whores of the Miami Heat didn't have much ball to back up their over-paid asses last night. Got this quote from an article on Barstool today, which does a wonderful job wording what everyone is thinking:
As for you Prince James, Nike did a wonderful job emphasizing your level of douche-baggery. I pray that they don't keep that commercial on air all season. I don't even know who I hate more at this point, Lebron or Kobe. I think they're both egotistical scum bags that think the world will stop spinning if it wasn't for them. Can't express how happy I am that my C's won last night. Did everyone see Shaq hit that free throw? Maybe green is his color...
"Plenty of talent, but no team concept. Just a bunch of stars attention-whoring themselves for TV face time. I’m sure this will come as great news to the Miami ticket-buying public that Bosh brought his talents to South Beach because he wasn’t famous enough. That’s always a recipe for winning. Meanwhile Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Shaq and Jermaine O’Neal all came to Boston to fit it, work together and win championships. And you saw the results last night. Team Basketball vs. Self-Promoting, TV Face Time Attention Whore Individual Basketball: Where cruising to an easy 8-point win happens."
As for you Prince James, Nike did a wonderful job emphasizing your level of douche-baggery. I pray that they don't keep that commercial on air all season. I don't even know who I hate more at this point, Lebron or Kobe. I think they're both egotistical scum bags that think the world will stop spinning if it wasn't for them. Can't express how happy I am that my C's won last night. Did everyone see Shaq hit that free throw? Maybe green is his color...
:D
Monday, October 25, 2010
We're NOT invincible.
Why is it that everyone, (including my dumb-ass self), thinks that they are invincible? There is something about our generation of youth that seriously lacks consideration and caution. Sometimes, this lack of caution results in something fatal. Sometimes, it only takes one weekend to open the eyes of many.
I was in a car accident Friday night, I was by myself and unharmed (other than a few little scratches and bruises), but more or less just extremely lucky that no one saw, and I arrived home safe. I completely blame myself for making the most irresponsible decision in driving home that night, but I am thankful that I am fine.
People say that bad things always happen in 3's though, right? Saturday night, a friend of mine that I went to elementary school through high school with was in a fatal car accident. He was unfortunately not as lucky as I was, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger is in the hospital with minor injuries, but Richie Dykas, only 24 years old, sadly didn't make it.
This accident definitely opened the eyes of many Dedham residents. He was a great kid. Smart, athletic, sweet, funny-- everything a mother would want in a son. The Police have not said that alcohol was involved yet, as they are waiting on test results. But based on details of the accident, I am sure that alcohol was a factor unfortunately.
While our town mourns the loss of Richie, I hope that everyone considers the decisions they may have made that could have have had consequences similar to this. I know I am. I am really lucky to be okay, but really sad that Richie was not as lucky. All I'm saying is PLease think twice before getting behind the wheel. A $60 dollar cab fare is well worth your safety/life. Driving drunk is not worth it.
I was in a car accident Friday night, I was by myself and unharmed (other than a few little scratches and bruises), but more or less just extremely lucky that no one saw, and I arrived home safe. I completely blame myself for making the most irresponsible decision in driving home that night, but I am thankful that I am fine.
People say that bad things always happen in 3's though, right? Saturday night, a friend of mine that I went to elementary school through high school with was in a fatal car accident. He was unfortunately not as lucky as I was, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger is in the hospital with minor injuries, but Richie Dykas, only 24 years old, sadly didn't make it.
This accident definitely opened the eyes of many Dedham residents. He was a great kid. Smart, athletic, sweet, funny-- everything a mother would want in a son. The Police have not said that alcohol was involved yet, as they are waiting on test results. But based on details of the accident, I am sure that alcohol was a factor unfortunately.
While our town mourns the loss of Richie, I hope that everyone considers the decisions they may have made that could have have had consequences similar to this. I know I am. I am really lucky to be okay, but really sad that Richie was not as lucky. All I'm saying is PLease think twice before getting behind the wheel. A $60 dollar cab fare is well worth your safety/life. Driving drunk is not worth it.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Best of Both Worlds
Something I've been seriously thinking about lately... As a commuter at BSU, I struggle daily to keep up with my school work on top of my hectic work schedule. I wish I could maintain both (best of both worlds) but I find it seemingly impossible. After working until 2am on Friday and Saturday night,Sunday double, Monday day, Wednesday and Thursday nights, I find it hard to come home after and concentrate on doing my school work.
I get that without a college degree I'll never get a well-paying job in a profession that I am actually interested in, but I can't help but ponder the thought of taking time off school sometimes. The money is SO good that I wish I could just work full time, although the thought of waitressing for the rest of my life should make me dive head first into my books. I think the reason behind this could be due to the fact that a lot of the classes I'm taking feel like a waste of my time. For example, since 5 pm when I got out of work today, (it is now 2:15 am), I have been doing a Constitution requirement for a history class. Apparently it is a Massachusetts state law that it be completed, which is fine, I just feel like it was an utter waste of time in which I could have been doing work that I actually hold interest in, like the news feature for this journalism class.
If we have the right to life, liberty and happiness, then we should not be required to do that assignment ever, seeing as it brought 0 happiness into my life. A little over-dramatic I know, but sometimes the busy work assigned by Professors is so useless. Anyways, I know I am not the only one who struggles to balance work and school. It's just catching up with me this week especially with midterms coming up this Thursday. I also am an insomniac which definitely doesn't make waking up in the morning any easier.
I think what I dislike the most about this school and work is the fact that my social life is non-existent. Every one tells you that you need to live-up your life while your still young, but I can't seem to find any time to. I envy the kids who live at school and actually get to go out on the weekends. I don't think I've had a Friday or Saturday night off in months. The money is addicting though, which is why I usually don't care about working. Any recommendations on how to find a balance between work, school, and a social life??
I get that without a college degree I'll never get a well-paying job in a profession that I am actually interested in, but I can't help but ponder the thought of taking time off school sometimes. The money is SO good that I wish I could just work full time, although the thought of waitressing for the rest of my life should make me dive head first into my books. I think the reason behind this could be due to the fact that a lot of the classes I'm taking feel like a waste of my time. For example, since 5 pm when I got out of work today, (it is now 2:15 am), I have been doing a Constitution requirement for a history class. Apparently it is a Massachusetts state law that it be completed, which is fine, I just feel like it was an utter waste of time in which I could have been doing work that I actually hold interest in, like the news feature for this journalism class.
If we have the right to life, liberty and happiness, then we should not be required to do that assignment ever, seeing as it brought 0 happiness into my life. A little over-dramatic I know, but sometimes the busy work assigned by Professors is so useless. Anyways, I know I am not the only one who struggles to balance work and school. It's just catching up with me this week especially with midterms coming up this Thursday. I also am an insomniac which definitely doesn't make waking up in the morning any easier.
I think what I dislike the most about this school and work is the fact that my social life is non-existent. Every one tells you that you need to live-up your life while your still young, but I can't seem to find any time to. I envy the kids who live at school and actually get to go out on the weekends. I don't think I've had a Friday or Saturday night off in months. The money is addicting though, which is why I usually don't care about working. Any recommendations on how to find a balance between work, school, and a social life??
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Social Media
Unless you live under a rock, you are probably well aware of the major influence technology, especially the internet's social networking websites, are having on society. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and You Tube are all examples that display how highly everyone relies on the internet for their information. Like professor said, most of us get our information via Facebook statuses.
Journalists are getting involved in the social media as well, but they must take precautions and be careful of how they want to represent themselves via the web. It is important for journalists to go where their readers are, but these networks are very public so it's crucial to maintain a reputable image for yourself. I never even thought to look through groups and causes on Facebook for newsworthy ideas, but I'm definitely going to look into that for our next news feature.
I never realized that journalists, reporters, writers, and other media outlets are using people like us on Facebook, Twitter, or whatever social network you are on, to get story ideas or find photos/ videos. Next time I might think twice before I upload a picture, especially if there's a good story behind it! What I took from this reading was a lot I was already well aware of, but I'm realizing that when I graduate and start using Facebook for more "adult" purposes, you really have to be careful about what you're doing on there!
ZzzZzZzzzZ......
Journalists are getting involved in the social media as well, but they must take precautions and be careful of how they want to represent themselves via the web. It is important for journalists to go where their readers are, but these networks are very public so it's crucial to maintain a reputable image for yourself. I never even thought to look through groups and causes on Facebook for newsworthy ideas, but I'm definitely going to look into that for our next news feature.
I never realized that journalists, reporters, writers, and other media outlets are using people like us on Facebook, Twitter, or whatever social network you are on, to get story ideas or find photos/ videos. Next time I might think twice before I upload a picture, especially if there's a good story behind it! What I took from this reading was a lot I was already well aware of, but I'm realizing that when I graduate and start using Facebook for more "adult" purposes, you really have to be careful about what you're doing on there!
ZzzZzZzzzZ......
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Restaurant Etiquette
Straight out of real life examples out of the Yard House and into my blog. If you've never worked in a restaurant before, you may not relate well with this post, but hopefully you learn something valuable which may prevent future douche bags (excuse my language), from going out to eat. Here is some restaurant etiquette for those who are clearly lacking any...
1. It is part of my job description that I have to tell you my name, the specials, and ask you if you've been here before. Please try and let me finish before cutting me off in demand for your drink.
2.It is also a part of my job to suggest specific items to the table. I do not have ESP unfortunately so if you are not interested, so sorry for wasting the 30 seconds it took to tell you.
3. If you see someone running food or drinks, kindly move out of the way unless you want a scolding hot enchilada stack all over you.
4. Ladies out to eat with their boyfriends or even husbands..I am actually not working tonight in order to try and steal your boyfriend, so stop giving me attitude and order your food. It isn't my problem that you aren't secure in your relationship, but you really think your waitress is out to get your boyfriend?
PS- Keep the P.D.A. to a minimum, people are trying to eat here!
5. When you want a water, just ask for one! Save the theatrical tapping of your throat to display how parched you are, this isn't the Sahara.
6. If I am talking to another table, please don't stare me down or wave at me. I will be there as soon as I can, and sorry for you not being the center of my universe.
7. If it's your birthday, Happy Birthday. I see probably around 10 birthdays a night, so sorry if I don't look ECSTATIC for your Nana's 82nd. We don't sing, and we don't make exceptions for certain people who think their birthday is more important than others, so warm up your own vocals! I'll be glad to bring you a free desert though.
8.To all the Parents taking their young kids out to eat: Control your fucking children! I am your waitress, not a babysitter.
9. If you start to get buzzed or drunk, try to control yourself. Do not tell me, because that will result in me having to cut you off. Less $ for me, no more booze for you. Lose-Lose.
10. TIP YOUR WAITER/WAITRESS! We work hard and put up with more BS than you could imagine, so please tip accordingly.
=)
1. It is part of my job description that I have to tell you my name, the specials, and ask you if you've been here before. Please try and let me finish before cutting me off in demand for your drink.
2.It is also a part of my job to suggest specific items to the table. I do not have ESP unfortunately so if you are not interested, so sorry for wasting the 30 seconds it took to tell you.
3. If you see someone running food or drinks, kindly move out of the way unless you want a scolding hot enchilada stack all over you.
4. Ladies out to eat with their boyfriends or even husbands..I am actually not working tonight in order to try and steal your boyfriend, so stop giving me attitude and order your food. It isn't my problem that you aren't secure in your relationship, but you really think your waitress is out to get your boyfriend?
PS- Keep the P.D.A. to a minimum, people are trying to eat here!
5. When you want a water, just ask for one! Save the theatrical tapping of your throat to display how parched you are, this isn't the Sahara.
6. If I am talking to another table, please don't stare me down or wave at me. I will be there as soon as I can, and sorry for you not being the center of my universe.
7. If it's your birthday, Happy Birthday. I see probably around 10 birthdays a night, so sorry if I don't look ECSTATIC for your Nana's 82nd. We don't sing, and we don't make exceptions for certain people who think their birthday is more important than others, so warm up your own vocals! I'll be glad to bring you a free desert though.
8.To all the Parents taking their young kids out to eat: Control your fucking children! I am your waitress, not a babysitter.
9. If you start to get buzzed or drunk, try to control yourself. Do not tell me, because that will result in me having to cut you off. Less $ for me, no more booze for you. Lose-Lose.
10. TIP YOUR WAITER/WAITRESS! We work hard and put up with more BS than you could imagine, so please tip accordingly.
=)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Interviewing in the Digital Age
Texting, e-mail, instant messaging, social networks, cellphones. What would everyone do if we didn't have all this technology? That's how the world works these days though, and I think I can speak on behalf of everyone when I say I would be lost without it. These technologies are all useful tools in helping reporters get their information.
This chapter goes into detail on how to get an interview with a good source, and what to do to ensure you have a good interview. For example, getting to know your source before you have the interview, knowing the right questions to ask, building trust, blah blah blah. What I found interesting was that the four journalists in this chapter all agree that an in person interview is better than any other interview. (e-mail, phone, video chat).
At least there are some people out there who would rather sit down with you face to face and talk instead of texting or "BBM"ing you!...
The chapter concludes that interviewing gets easier over time. The more experience you get, the more comfortable you will feel having the interview. A reporter name Akin says the best way to get comfortable if you've never been the interviewer before is to just walk up to random people on the street. I really like this idea, might try it out soon. I'll let you know how it works out, if anyone is even reading this nonsense ;)
ZzzZZzzZ...
This chapter goes into detail on how to get an interview with a good source, and what to do to ensure you have a good interview. For example, getting to know your source before you have the interview, knowing the right questions to ask, building trust, blah blah blah. What I found interesting was that the four journalists in this chapter all agree that an in person interview is better than any other interview. (e-mail, phone, video chat).
At least there are some people out there who would rather sit down with you face to face and talk instead of texting or "BBM"ing you!...
The chapter concludes that interviewing gets easier over time. The more experience you get, the more comfortable you will feel having the interview. A reporter name Akin says the best way to get comfortable if you've never been the interviewer before is to just walk up to random people on the street. I really like this idea, might try it out soon. I'll let you know how it works out, if anyone is even reading this nonsense ;)
ZzzZZzzZ...
Monday, October 4, 2010
Let There be Light!
A message that gay rights and gay tolerance activisits all over the country are trying to relay to the community of gay youths who feel they have nothing to live for. Talk show host Ellen Degeneres is applauded by many, using her high status and fame to send an important message to any young person who is questioning their sexuality. The suicide rate is climbing, several suicides alone occuring in the past few weeks. Ellen wants these youths to understand that they are not alone. There are people out there willing to talk about it with you, and the confusion and frustration is not life long.
Acceptance is easily the hardest part about coming out, and of course the scariest. In order for these young children who are confused about their sexuality to make it through these difficult times, their peers really need to be educated on why it is not okay to taunt, bully, or verbally/physically abuse their fellow schoolmates. What I can't seem to get a grip on is why these young children feel the need to spread hate and intolerance at such a young age. I don't think they realize that they are influencing more people to spread hate, which is going to have a long term affect on the future world they will be living in. An article I was reading in the NY Times said, "The three main groups of pivotal figures are family, friends and their schoolmates,” she said. “And if they’re feeling isolated and like they can’t tell those people, it’s going to be a very rough ride."
If you are interested in hearing more about this...
Here is the link to Ellen's important message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B-hVWQnjjM
Here is the link to the NY Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/us/04suicide.html?_r=1&ref=us
Please do not be one of the bullies that leads our gay youth to another unnecessary death. To all the school; administrators and teachers who see this abuse and still do nothing about it, how about you use your authority for good. Empower the gay youth of our nation, let them know that they are not alone, and it will eventually get better. All you need is patience.(and some really thick skin) :)
Acceptance is easily the hardest part about coming out, and of course the scariest. In order for these young children who are confused about their sexuality to make it through these difficult times, their peers really need to be educated on why it is not okay to taunt, bully, or verbally/physically abuse their fellow schoolmates. What I can't seem to get a grip on is why these young children feel the need to spread hate and intolerance at such a young age. I don't think they realize that they are influencing more people to spread hate, which is going to have a long term affect on the future world they will be living in. An article I was reading in the NY Times said, "The three main groups of pivotal figures are family, friends and their schoolmates,” she said. “And if they’re feeling isolated and like they can’t tell those people, it’s going to be a very rough ride."
If you are interested in hearing more about this...
Here is the link to Ellen's important message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B-hVWQnjjM
Here is the link to the NY Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/us/04suicide.html?_r=1&ref=us
Please do not be one of the bullies that leads our gay youth to another unnecessary death. To all the school; administrators and teachers who see this abuse and still do nothing about it, how about you use your authority for good. Empower the gay youth of our nation, let them know that they are not alone, and it will eventually get better. All you need is patience.(and some really thick skin) :)
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