Meeting rewritten

A vote of 13-1 by the Albany Common Council, Nick D’Antonio was chosen as commissioner of the Department of General Services on Monday.

The Department of General Services, as stated on the main website of Albany Council County, “increases efficiency and cost effectiveness, streamlines operations and maximizes existing County resources by providing centralized, coordinated services to other departments of County government.”

In spite of allegations made by Elise Van Allen, an Albany resident and previous employee of Johnson and Johnson against D’Antonio regarding stealing the city of Albany’s trash money, Mayor Gerald D. Jennings’ nominee was chosen.

Van Allen would agree with the one vote against D’Antonio. “They have stolen from the city of Albany” she said. Van-Allen claims that the allegations made against D’Antonio and his crew were not fully investigated. According to her, the Times Union wrote an article called “Trash for Cash” about two years ago which accused D’Antonio and co-workers of taking the cash value of metal trash. Certain metal garbage has a high cash value which should have been returned to the city of Albany but somehow it disappeared. “It was not being remitted to the city, it was being used for pizza parties” said Van-Allen. Additionally, Van-Allen mentioned that D’Antonio had claims against him for threatening a certain employee’s family member’s jobs.

Van Allen believed that what mattered were morals and the law. “I was always brought up that you did the right thing” she said. “If you hold the law you wouldn’t nominate someone with allegations against them” said Van Allen. Stealing from the city of Albany is most definitely not the “right thing.”

Although Van-Allen strongly stood by her decision, the Common Council had to agree with Cory Johnson, supervisor of the sanitation department who said, “This man stepped in and made a remarkable transformation.” Throughout the course of the public comments which were extended for 15 minutes, many of D’Antonio’s co-workers rooted for him. Almost all said, “I hope the vote that takes place in this room is a positive one.”

Unfortunately for Van-Allen, D’Antonio is now the new commissioner and all accusations against him have been disregarded.

Final Paper

Classes are closed. Seats remaining: Zero. At the University at Albany where nearly 17,000 students attend, access to classes have become limited and almost impossible for students to obtain.

Every semester, all students are required to pre register for classes. Each student, depending on their status and year at the university, receives a different registration date. Athletes normally get first pick. Although it may seem as if athletes deserve the privilege due to their busy schedules, some students disagree. Julie Kim, a freshman at the University, said, “It is unfair that athletes get first pick; it should go according to students’ G.P.A because it is academics.”
There have been instances in which athletes not only reserve seats for themselves, but for their non-athlete friends as well. Jessica Savitt, a freshman, said, “Sean held a class for me because he signed up for classes on the first day of registration; the second he drops it, I add it.” Such occurrences are problematic to other students at the University who are trying to sign up for classes they need.

Aside from the athletes’ privileges, first semester freshman have availabilities to almost all classes as well. Faith Sampson, another freshman said, “Fall of freshman year was the easiest because everything is open to you.” This vast amount of availability for freshman leaves fewer seats for students who are further in their college career.

It is safe to say that the University does worry about students’ education; but do they worry more about freshman? Incoming freshman are scared and worried they won’t have the experience they want. The school guarantees them a great education; by doing so, they must have extra seats open for freshman only. With an incoming class of 2,500 students, where does the school draw the line? William R. Rainbolt, Director of the Department of Journalism at the University explained that it is as if the school has everything available to freshman but then once they are sophomores, it goes downhill. He said, “It is not fair, it’s a disservice to students” when talking about classes being unavailable to many.

For 2008’s fall registration, the University’s website shows seats remaining for classes. The list almost always goes as such: “Seats for Freshman- 25, Seats for Sophomore- 0, Seats for all others- 3.” The availability for freshman is so immense that in The Oceans, taught by Michael G. Landin, there are 290 seats remaining for freshman and zero seats remaining for sophomore. Brett Benjamin, Director of the Undergraduate Department of English who has been working at the University for 9 years said, “We do our best to try and protect seats for sophomores.” However, many are left with fewer classes than required to be considered a full time student. Students must resort to attending the classes they want to take even if they are not enlisted in them. Adam Bakhash, a junior, said, “I have had to sit in for a while and beg.”

Every department gives out permission numbers which are given to students who show they really want to take the class. When asked about the amount of permission numbers given, Debbie A. Bourassa, Secretary for the Communications Department who has been working at the University for 20 years, said, “hundreds.” Rainbolt said he has “325 permission numbers” for the fall. Even when students sit in on classes they are not enlisted in to receive permission numbers, one is never guaranteed. Should students have to resort to such measures? Every university should make it possible for their students to gain the best education possible. Tiffany Degraff a freshman, said, “Yes, I have tried to sign up for classes and they have been closed.”
Alexandra Stevens, a junior, explained that she has an internship lined up for the fall and may need to switch around class times. However, she is unable to do so due to the lack of seat availability, which may risk her opportunity as an intern.

Sean Bailey, a junior said, “Just about every semester, I get locked out of a class that I need.” But how far does this “locking out” really go? He said, “It’s caught up with me because now I have to take summer classes and maybe even an extra semester. Because of the minimal seating availabilities for students, Bailey along with many others students are required to continue their education at the University for longer than originally planned.

Students should be given options so that they can graduate within four years. This is not the case in the Communications Department. Out of approximately 17,000 students, 606 are declared communication majors and 371 are intended majors. There is only one 265x class offered for the fall. Jen Meth, a freshman, said, “Find more professors who can teach a class.” But according to Bourassa “We will probably never offer more than one section for 265x.” With the great amount of communication majors, the lack of faculty affects everyone. Gwendolyn Moore, Department Chair for Women’s Studies who has been working at the University for 20 years said, “We’d like to have more faculty; ideally, students should be able to choose what they need and want.”

Students need and want greater access to classes. Rainbolt said, “It’s a tight budget.” Instead of the University paying teachers more to teach extra classes, money is being spent on expanding the campus center and renovating the dormitories. These are important needs for students but the school’s first priority should be the academics.

The University’s Website, Albany.edu states, “Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, to explore the world about them, and then to accept the responsibility that comes with scholarship and freedom.” With so many classes closed, challenging oneself is nearly impossible. Students and parents want to know their money is being well spent and they are getting all the school has to offer; in this case, the school has a lack of seats to offer. Rainbolt said, “It is a problem and I think it’s one the University needs to address.”

Lucy Dalglish

Lucy Dalglish is the Executive Director of the Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press. The University at Albany had the honor of having Dalglish speak at the Sciene Library last night. After listening to her speak, it is safe to say she is an amazing person who had accomplished great things in life. Even with the fact that she suffered from cancer, she still managed to get back on her geet and continue being the great reporter she is.


During her speech she spoke a lot about Toni Locy. Toni Locy wrote an article about Steven Hatfill being a suspect for the spread of Anthrax. Unfortunately, she threw away her notes and was later sued by Hatfill. She now has to pay $5,000 a day and is not allowed to be reimbursed. Toni Locy’s case lays out an excellent example of reporters’ issues. Reporters try as best they can to be truthful and inform the public of current events. Today, mentioning a name can lead to bigger problems than imagined. Dalglish mentioned in her speech that it is better to have confidential sources than to not have sources at all. She said that reporters should “do the best you can at the time.” Locy’s case was unfortunate but it is common with reporters around the world. Dalglish is trying to get a shield law to be passed so that reporters won’t be limited to information.


When questions were being asked, one student argued that Locy should have not published a story with Hatfill’s name because it is unnesecarry and unethical. Dalglish answered, “We don’t do ethics, we’re lawyers.”

Tom Toles

Tom Toles is a very famous cartoonist who works for the Washington Post. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1990 for being the best editorial cartoonist. He draws cartoons that tell the truth about public figures. Additionally, he told the Poynter Institute that he is a liberal but he does like to look at situations from different angles as opposed to one direct view. He draws very quickly and starts off with a draft in pencil, then moves it to nice paper and sketches his final works. His cartoons show up in about 200 newspapers. He took the place of another very famous cartoonist, Herblock. He is very successful and loves what he does. One of the many cartoons of his which I liked is this one. It shows the real issues going on with the war.

http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=7196

( I couldn't put another picture on the first blog so I had to write two)

Cartoonists

Sean Delonas is a cartoonist for the New York Post. He is an award winning painter who is very successful. He has worked for magazines, newspapers and even broadway. He painted the Altar Painting for Church of St. Agnes and he just finished his first childrens book with his son and is working on the second. Sean Delona usually draws funny cartoons for the Post. His cartoons represent current issues. After looking through many of his cartoons I thought the funniest was this one about Britney Spears. I like that he makes a joke out of both situations. One being the fact Michael Jackson is "into" little boys and two, that Britney Spears would leave her kids with him regardless.

http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=7196

Swift Boating

In 2004 John Kerry ran against George Bush for President of the United States. John Kerry however, had resentment against him from Swift Boat veterans. The Washington Post wrote an article regarding this situation published in august of 2004. Apparently, Kerry was considered a Hero for saving Jim Rassmanns life in Vietnam in 1969. He was named a hero and from then on was considered one until recently. Three of the swift boat skippers who were present on the same day Kerry was called a hero, said that Kerry was not even shot at and he left when it became the most dangerous. Swift Boat veterans were angry with Kerry because they were sprung with accusations while Kerry was seen as a hero and went onto a political career. The exact story of what occurred that day is a blur. Some say Kerry left after the situation got out of hand and others said he helped as much as he could. The Post mentions that when Kerry reunited with Rassmann, he won over the Iowa democratic vote. There are still people who do not agree with his doings and believe he shouldn’t have been commissioner.

Journalism

Both Bruce Squires and Jo-Ann Armao are two completly different types of journalists. Jo-Ann Armao spoke to our journalism class about writing editorials which I did not even know was a type of journalism. Before Armao spoke on Monday afternoon to the class, I thought editorials were people writing their opinions to the newspaper as opposed to actual journalists. She helped my fellow classmates and I learn a lot regarding editorials. Bruce Squires taught the class much of what there is to know about being a photojournalist.

Jo-Ann Armao, an editorial writer for the Washington Post, passed around a couple of editorials she wrote and expalined that although at times she may not agree with the position the newspaper she works for takes, she loves her job. Before becoming an editorial writer, Armao was a reporter and she said that by writing editorials she can get her voice heard. She loves being an editorial writer because when she interviews people, they open up to her more than to reporters due to the fact that everything is off the record. In editorials, no names, titles or background information is required. Armao loves her job and said she can never imagine going back to straight news reporting.

Bruce Squires, although not an editorial writer, he is a great photojournalist. He spoke to the class about his passion for taking pictures. Not only does he do it for his job but he finds himself taking pictures all the time. Squires said that he loves photography because "good pictures happen everywhere." Even though he does not have a favorite picture, he loves taking pictures which he is proud of. An example he gave the class was a picture he took of an elderly man walking in Johnstown and he took his name and did not think much of it. Six months later, he got a call from a woman saying "that picture was my father and he died." All types of journalism can have enormous affects on people's lives. Even if it is a small picture, it can change a person's life.

photojournalism

Students playing football in the fountain in anticipation for this weekend's fountain day.

Editorial

Every student struggles to maintain good grades throughout their collegecareer. I, like many other students, try to do the best I can and succeedin all that I do. School is my number one priority and if I do not dowell, I will not be happy with myself.

I deserve at least an A- in this class because I am always on time, I amalways in class and I am persistent with my work and effort. I have doneevery homework assignment and handed them all in on time and if I have aproblem with the deadline, I emailed the professor asking for anextension and letting her know I will be handing it in a little laterthan expected. Although I do not do as well as I expect on the gradedassignments, I have rewritten one and am working on rewriting the others.By rewriting the assignments, regardless to whether or not the gradeincreases, it shows I care about my grade and the class and am willing towork hard to do well. If I receive lower than an A- in this class, I willbe very disappointed both in myself and the professor. There is no reasonfor my grade to be lower than that.

In class, I always ask questions and pay attention and am participative.Additionally, I have stayed after class to talk to the professor eventhough I had no questions. I truly believe that for the effort and hardwork I put into this class, I deserve no less than an A-.

Dr. Julia Ziyatdinova

Are the streets of New York really that clean? Dr. Julia Ziyatdinova, a professor from Kazan State Technological University seemed to think so when she spoke at SUNY Albany on March 19th.

After spending an hour speaking to a history class about her religion, she opened up to a couple of students outside the classroom and shared her thoughts of her first time in New York. But how different are New York and Kazan? “Old people drive cars” she said. In Kazan, elderly people are seen walking on sidewalks as opposed to driving. On a certain website where responses are made about elderly people’s driving skills, all thirteen people agreed that elderly people should be tested to renew their license every couple of years.

In a city only several hours away, the differences are unbelievable. Dr. Ziyatdinova mentioned that in Kazan, divorce is unspoken of. Although in New York as in many other places, divorce is not something we celebrate, it is very common. “Divorce is not something talked about in our culture” she said. Divorce statistics show that New York’s divorce rate was close to 46,000 in 1998 and has only been on the rise. New York ranked number five for divorces in 1998.

After listing all the differences, she did not fail to mention our public transportation system. Many can agree that it is somewhat uncomfortable but we, as New Yorkers are used to the subway system and loud people on the bus. “In our system, people behave well,” she stated after sharing that she thought people on the bus were drunk. Are New Yorkers really that out of control? She stated, “Americans are always chewing or drinking or eating something.” In Kazan, it is rude to walk with a bottled drink in the street, people don’t do it. Surprisingly, students in Kazan do not wear pajamas to class. In New York most students not only walk to class wearing pajamas, but they are carrying a bottled drink in their hand as well.

Dr. Ziyatdinova helped the students better understand that all people and places are different. Kazan does not have as much diversity as New York does or as many Chinese restaurants, but although she stated, “it’s good that people show their culture here, she does not think about moving; “I love my city” she said.

"The Paper" by Aaron Matthews, rewritten.

“The Paper” by Aaron Matthews

Tabloids are taking over! Newspapers companies are going through drastic decline; people are more interested in tabloids than “hard news.”

With all the tabloid magazines out there, it is difficult to resist from reading about celebrities and what new marriage occurred the night before. “US” magazine, “People” magazine and many other tabloidy magazines manages to grab attention. After reading about Britney Spears on the front cover of a newspaper, Aaron Matthews, director of the documentary “The Paper” stated, “That was news and it was kind of depressing.” With Anna Nicole Smith on the cover of every nationwide newspaper for months, it is difficult to set the standards for the news that really counts.

Tabloid sales have been on the increase as newspaper sales have been on the decline. With “The New York Times” reporting of a 3.5 percent sales cut and “The Boston Globe” reporting a 6.7 percent sales cut, as stated in a “New York Times” article; it is safe to say that tabloids are getting the best of it. “I’m all for entertainment, I’m into all that stuff just as much as the next person,” said Matthews; but how far can it go? Matthews did not fail to mention that although he does have a love for sports and celebrity news, he said, “Newspapers should be fulfilling their obligation to be a watchdog. The more they report about Anna Nicole Smith, the less I know about news that really matters.” So what news really matters? Matthews said he would rather read about schools that his children are attending and politics than about Britney’s next hand. The news that really matters is the news that affects you in everyday life.

Matthews manages to relate the issue of what news really matters to his documentary “The Paper.” He said that his inspiration to make such a documentary came from his amazement with news these days and the fact that anything fit as a story. This documentary about “The Daily Collegian” in Pennsylvania State University shows how difficult it is to make a decision on what to publish; on what be pass as “hard news.” In a specific scene, two characters decide it would be a good idea to add a relationship column to the newspaper. By adding this column, they are tying to attract a younger audience, similar to the tabloid’s incentive. If college newspapers have reached a point in which politics, fires and deaths are not enough; this affect will begin to show on nationwide newspapers as well. Where can one draw the line and decide what news is worth printing.

“Less news is devoted to things that actually affect your life,” said Matthews. On the recent covers of magazines, there were pictures of Jennifer Aniston and her “war” with Angelina Jolie. How much does this really matter? Although it may be entertaining, these people are just like everyone else; so what affect does this news really have on us? Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama are running for presidency; that is news that will affect us, terrorists attack a school a school in Israel; that is news that will affect us.

Governor Spitzer

“Client Clean becomes Client 9,” was on the front cover of almost every article in the “Daily News” over the past couple of days.

On March 11th 2008, Eliot Spitzer’s picture, the Governor of New York was visible on every newspaper and magazine in the state. Spitzer was said to be involved in a “high class hooker sting” as stated on the front cover of the “Daily News.” Throughout the week, the “Daily News” has been reporting what they know about the story, but in some cases it may be better to just wait until all the facts are correct.

On March 11th, there were nine pages filled with news on Spitzer. Every article was written about different aspects of the story. On this day, the newspaper did not tell whether or not Spitzer was going to resign yet, it said he was still deciding. On March 11th an article stated that Spitzer paid $5,500 per hour and on March 12th; the article stated that he paid $4,300. Additionally, on March 11th, the “Daily News” said that Spitzer was using his campaign money to pay for Kristen, the hooker; whereas on March 12th it said he was using taxpayer’s money. March 11th’s paper said that Spitzer had a number of clients and specified Kristen in particular. On March 12th, the “Daily News” said he had ten clients and listed ways in which he contacted each of these clients.

On March 14th, there were articles about Spitzer’s resignation from the Governor position and “Kristen’s Story.” This newspaper had articles listing the hottest girls Spitzer had. Additionally, there were some articles about Paterson taking over Spitzer’s role and the fact that he is African American, causing problems. Today, On March 17, 2008, Paterson if officially New York’s new Governor. There are articles in the newspaper today on the fact that Spitzer could have spent tens of thousands on call girls when on March 11th, it was only $5,500 on one.

From March 11th to March 17th, the “Daily News” has been reporting on Governor Spitzer. However, it is safe to say that because they were so quick to get the story out, they got some of their facts wrong. Is it better to wait and get the facts right than to report instantly? In my opinion, I think reporting instantly is what journalists are supposed to do. They are always in competition with each other and therefore need to be on top of it. Additionally, the public should know what is going on as it occurs; journalists can later correct mistaken facts as they did over the past couple of days in the “Daily News.”

“At least now Dianne Sawyer will be able to air her hooker special,” stated the “Daily News.”

Class Assignment

New Orleans after Katrina is empty, dirty and dangerous it’s full ofsewage, rot and debris.

Smell of swamp and dead bodies. Corners and funeral directors are roundingup bodies, some of them are decomposed. They have to detoxify them beforethey can be identified. Some people are resisting orders to evacuate andthey hide out in their homes when deputies come to search.“I don’t need much I got twelve gallons of water in my house and I gotthose army meals they’re handing out. I got chef boy-r-dee too” saidMichael David who is one of the survivors who are showing remarkablespirit.

“This city is going to be better when they rebuild it because they aregoing to get rid of the knuckleheads that was causing the problems herebefore.”

Akan Gold

Alfred C. Glzassell, an oiling gas entrepreneur has been collecting Akangold for years now. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is going to put on aspecial exhibit of this Akan gold from Ghana from March 12th-30th, 2008.

The exhibit will allow people to understand that this tradition of wearing gold was remarkable. The Akan chiefs of Ghana all wore crowns, amulets and bracelets, they had guns made out ofglittering gold up until the 19th century. The Akan King wore amazingjewelry which was 8-12 karats of gold for every piece. Although thejewelry did not belong to him, they were given to him by Akan rulers. Ghana became an independent nation in 1957. The Akan leaders continue to have a lot of authority and social prestige; many of them are the bankers and lawyers of modern Ghana.

Doran H. Ross, an Art Historian who wrote the catalog for the exhibitcoming up stated, “I find it amazing that the people of southern Ghanastill wear amazing gold pieces.”

Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments of the Constitution of the United States. The first ten amendments became the Bill of Rights in 1791. Every amendment consists of different rights people should have.

First Amendment-
1. Congress cannot make a law respecting an establishment of religion.
2. Congress cannot make a law prohibiting, or taking away the freedom of speech.
3. Congress cannot make a law prohibiting, or taking away the freedom of the press.
4. Congress cannot make a law prohibiting, or taking away the right of the people peaceably to assemble.
5. Congress cannot make a law taking away people's right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Second Amendment-
People have the right to bear arms.

Third Amendment-
"No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law"

Fourth Amendment-
The right to privacy; to secure your belongings and reject searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment-
People have the right not to incriminate themselves.

Sixth Amendment-
An accused person has the right to trial so that a judge and jury can make the decision on the accusation.

Seventh Amendment-
"The right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law."

Eighth Amendment-
Bail, fines and unusual punishment should not be required.

Ninth Amendment-
The fact that the constitution lists rights, does not mean that the ones brought upon by the people should be denied.

Tenth Amendment
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/billofrightsdef.htm

Vicki Zeldin

Vicki Zeldin is a spokeswoman for the New York State Health Department
Her address is 4 Saradale Avenue Albany New York 12211
Phone Number- (518) 465 0769

Prince Harry and the British Press.

Prince Harry is fighting in Afghanistan. This is a top news story which should have been known to the world. As the Prince, the fact that he wants to escape his “royalty” life and serve in the army is big news.

I believe that the British Press should not have kept it a secret. Due to the fact that he is the Prince, I think that it is important for the people who live there to know what he is up to. Journalists should report on everything they can because the more news they expose, the better. By the British Press keeping Prince Harry’s business a secret, it shows that not only are they irresponsible but they don’t have their priorities set. The fact that Prince Harry is serving shows courage and dignity; why would the Press want that to be kept a secret? I personally believe that people would look up to him more because he is taking a stand, joining the army and helping out his nation. I would hope that every possible story is being printed, keeping me and everyone else aware of events occurring not just in their cities, but in the entire world. It is important to be up to date and I think the British press made a wrong decision by keeping it secret because if this is kept secret, what’s next?

http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/world/ny-woharr015597497mar01,0,3399964.story

Prince Harry and the British Press.

Prince Harry is fighting in Afghanistan. This is a top news story which should have been known to the world. As the Prince, the fact that he wants to escape his “royalty” life and serve in the army is big news.I believe that the British Press should not have kept it a secret. Due to the fact that he is the Prince, I think that it is important for the people who live there to know what he is up to.

Journalists should report on everything they can because the more news they expose, the better. By the British Press keeping Prince Harry’s business a secret, it shows that not only are they irresponsible, but they don’t have their priorities set. The fact that Prince Harry is serving shows courage and dignity; why would the Press want that to be kept a secret? I personally believe that people would look up to him more because he is taking a stand, joining the army and helping out his nation. I would hope that every possible story is being printed, keeping me and everone else aware of events occurring not just in their cities but in the entire world. It is important to be up to date and I think the British press made a wrong decision by keeping it secret because if this is kept secret, what’s next?

http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/world/ny-woharr015597497mar01,0,3399964.story

“The Paper” by Aaron Matthews.

In recent years, newspaper companies have been going through a drastic decline due to the fact that people are more interested in tabloids than “hard news.” With all the tabloid magazines out there, it is difficult to resist from reading about celebrities and what new marriage occurred the night before. “US” magazine, “People” magazine and many others tabloid oriented magazines manage to grab people’s attention with the glimpse of an eye. After reading about Britney Spears on the front cover of a newspaper, Aaron Matthews stated, “That was news and it was kind of depressing.” With Anna Nicole Smith on the cover of every nation-wide newspaper for months, it is difficult to set the standards for the news that really counts.

Tabloid sales have been on the increase as newspaper sales have been on the decline. With “The New York Times” reporting of a 3.5 percent cut and “The Boston Globe” reporting a 6.7 percent cut, as stated in a New York Times article, it is safe to say that tabloids are getting the best of it. “I’m all for entertainment, I’m into all that stuff just as much as the next person,” said Matthews, but how far can it go? Matthews did not fail to mention that although he does have a love for sports and celebrity news, he said, “Newspapers should be fulfilling their obligation to be a watchdog. The more they report about Anna Nicole Smith, the less I know about news that matters.” So what news really matters? Matthews shared that he would rather read about schools that his children are attending and politics than about the next marriage Britney Spears is in. The news that really matters is the news that affects you in everyday life.


Matthews managed to show the stress journalists have to go through in his documentary “The Paper.” He pointed out that his influence to make such a documentary came along with the amazement he was having with news these days. This documentary about students writing for “The Daily Collegian” in Pennsylvania State University shows how difficult it is to make a decision on what articles should be published. In a specific scene, two characters decided it would be a good idea to add a relationship column to the newspaper. By adding a relationship column, they are trying to attract a younger audience, similar to the tabloid’s incentive. If college newspapers have reached a point in which politics, fires and deaths are not enough; this effect will begin to show on nationwide newspapers as well. Where can one draw the line and decide what news is worth printing?

“Less news is devoted to things that actually affect your life” said Matthews. On the recent covers of magazines, there were pictures of Jennifer Aniston and her “war” with Angelina Jolie. How much does this really matter? Although it may be entertaining, these people are just like everyone else; so what affect does this news really have on people. Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama are running for presidency; that is news that will affect us, terrorists attack in a school in Israel; that is news that affects us. “I want news divisions to cover news” said Matthews. Matthews, similar to many other people would like to see people buying newspapers instead of magazines, reading about politics instead of the Oscars and caring about their economy; because at the end of the day, those are the things that really matter.

Budget Interview

Estefenia Rodriguez is not the typical college girl. Suprisingly, Estefenia grew up in Manhattan but does not live up to the sterotypes of high class "city people." After comparing her budget to mine, I realized that I manage to spend so much more money than she does. It is shocking to see other college students save their money. From my experience, I have had a difficult time saving money and not going out when all my friends do.

Estefenia does not go out a lot and when she does, she refrains from drinking, leading her to spend close to no money. I however drink when I go out and therefore spend much more money a night. Her "going out" expenses are close to $20.00 per month. Additionally, she does not ever have to take a cab back to campus because her friends have cars which is also a reason she saves a lot of money. Estefenia spends about $70.00 a month on going home and about $65.00 per month on necessities such as beauty supplies.

Due to the fact that she is in EOP, her tuition is fully paid by the school. The school gave her $200.00 per semester for books but she had to add $100.00 for the difference. She has a work-study job which pays her $228.00. Although sometimes she does not go to all of her hours, she still manages to recieve close to the intended income per month. Her parents give her $200.00 a month and although she has money coming in from many different places and does not have to pay tuition, she does not have a savings.

I would say that she has her priorities set. She does not go out a lot and when she does, she does not drink which shows that she is a very responsible person. Additionally, she goes home once a month which shows that her family and friends from home are imporant to her. Moreover, as a college student, it is somewhat difficult to maintain both a job and an average GPA and Estefenia does. She is clearly a motivated woman who wants to accomplish a lot in life.

Analyzing an interview

In an interview between Britney Spears and Matt Lauer of Dateline NBC, Britney Spears mentioned many important facts which were not evident to the public before the interview occurred. Although I have always been a huge Britney Spears fan, lately, I have been disappointed by her actions. I believe that celebrities are attacked by the paparazzi too much and that leads them to either hide from publicity or long for more. In Spear’s case, she couldn’t get enough.
It started with the intimate kiss with Madonna on stage at the awards and led to a marriage, shaved head, losing her children to another marriage.
The interview I watched and got the text for as well occurred after the incident in which Britney Spears was caught with her son on her lap while she was driving. Though the interview was strong, I feel as if Lauer became uncomfortable towards the end when Spears began to cry. Lauer seemed confident and in a way, did not care if Spears was offended by his questions. Although, at one point he said, “I don’t mean to make you angry,” he asked her questions that were somewhat personal and embarrassing to ask someone you don’t know. It also seemed like Spears felt uncomfortable at specific times. For example, when asked the question, “Living on the main floor,” in reference to her husband sleeping with her or in the basement, spears answered, “He’s, he’s… yes of course;” almost unsure of herself and didn’t want to let the public know.
The best question Lauer asked Spears would be the one referring to the paparazzi at the end. He asked if she could say anything to them as individuals, what she would say. This question is a very good one because it allows Spears to let out her true feelings and let the public and especially the paparazzi know that she is hurt by their publicity and hopes they stop. It shows that Spears, just like anyone else, needs her privacy and to just live her life.
If I had to rate this interview, I would give it about an 8 on a scale of 1-10. I think it was a well rounded interview but there were a couple of mistakes and questions he could have asked. For example, when Spears answered some questions, instead of Lauer remaining on the same topic, he switched it to what her answer involved. Additionally, I felt as if Lauer should have asked Spears if she feels like her fans are disappointed in her and if she had the chance to take back anything what would it be? Does she regret doing certain things? What are they? Does she think her parents are proud of her? Is she influencing her little sister to be the same way or is her sister different than she is? There are many questions Lauer missed out on but he hit a vast amount of important points.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13329706/

Provosts, deans and presidents.

Before being given this assignment, I never even knew a provost existed. A provost happens to be the person in charge of activities around the school; not only in one department but in the entire university. Additionally, the provost is responsible for funding these activities as well as managing them.
A chancellor however, is different from a provost in that a chancellor is the head of the university as a whole as opposed to being head of just the activities.
The president of the school has more power than a provost. The president and the chancellor have very similar tasks. Sometimes, the chancellor is mistaken to be the president. A dean is in power as well. However, there are many deans because every department has one. Deans are responsible for one department in the university.


http://www.provost.umich.edu/about/what.html

http://www.cam.ac.uk/cambuniv/pubs/works/chancellor.html

Marc Parry

Although guest speakers usually manage to make most students "zone out" or fall asleep, Marc Parry did the opposite. It was interesting to listen to what he had to say due to the fact that hopefully, one day I will be a journalist just like him. While listening to him talk about how to approach people when interviewing them, I found it interesting when he mentioned that he still gets nervous at times. I could relate to that. When we were told to go out and interview a stranger, I did not know how to start; I was afraid of rejection and believe it or not, people thinking I am a freak. It helped when Parry said, “Generally people are really open.” That gave me confidence for my future interviews.
After reading Parry’s article about the mosque, Parry probably asked Kobeisy where he got his degree, what he plans to do when he leaves the mosque and when he plans to leave. Additionally, Parry probably asked others what they thought of Kobeisy and how he influenced their lives.

Interview with a different person

In class, the students were asked to interview a person who was completely different than them. Although I had a difficult time finding such a person, Adina Feldman made my worries disappear.

Adina Feldman is a 28 year old, special education teacher for four year olds. She went to Touro College and lives with her parents in Queens, New York. However, although it may not seem as if we are different, we live entirely different lives. Adina Feldman is a Jewish, orthodox, religious woman. She decided to become religious during her senior year in high school and has worn skirts and long sleeves ever since. “One of my teachers inspired me to become religious, she told me about being ‘shomer’ and to dress modestly.”
Feldman does not touch men unless it is for professional reasons, such as shaking their hand during an interview. She states, “I feel that a guy would respect a girl more if they got to know the girl and not deal with the psychical aspect of the relationship.” She meets men through her friends and they then go on dates. After the date, both then man and woman tell the mutual friend what they thought of the other person and by that, they decide whether or not to go out again. She mentioned that she is waiting until she is married because her first kiss and her first time is something she wants to remember forever. Judaism does not allow for it to happen before marriage.
Additionally, she keeps the Sabbath in which she relaxes, meets friends, reads, prays and sleeps. She said, “I am completely thankful I have Shabbos.”
Moreover, after she eats meat, she waits six hours to eat dairy and cannot eat any non kosher foods. She has two sinks in her house, one for meat and one for dairy and different silverware as well. After she eats, she thanks God for the food she ate.
Adina Feldman stated,” I am happy with the way I am, if anything, I would like to become more religious.” She hopes to get married and have kids whom she will raise to be religious as well.

Important Questions:

- How long have you been religious?
- States she has been religious since her senior year in high school.

-What inspired you to be religious?
-“One of my teachers inspired me to become religious. She told me about being shomer and to dress modestly.”

-Why don’t you touch men?
- She mentioned that she feels that the relationship means more.
“I feel that a guy would respect a girl more if they got to know the girl and not deal with the physical aspect of the relationship.”

- Why do you only wear skirts and long sleeves?
- She said it was because she does not want men to judge her based on her looks.

- Do you feel as if you are being held back from getting things done on Shabbat?
- She said no. “I am completely thankful I have Shabbos.”

- Why are you waiting until you are married to kiss a man and touch one?
- She mentioned that the Jewish religion says you have to save yourself for marriage and that way, it makes everything all the more special because it is something she wants to remember forever.

- Do you feel as if being so religious has held you back from doing something you dreamed of you entire life?
- “I am happy with the way I am, if anything I would like to become more religious.”
She said she is upset with herself for not being religious her whole life but now that she is, she would not change it.

Interview a Stranger about the weather

Even in the University at Albany where there are an infinite amount of parties every night, Sarah Edrich chose to stay in on a day such as today. “It looks so gray out, everything is wet and sticky” she said while sitting at the archway of Indian Quad waiting for her friend to arrive. Edrich stated, “It smells like mildew and rain” and unfortunately, she had no umbrella with her. Her shoes were getting wet and as she stood up, I was able to see the water on the back of her pants.
On a day like today, many are hoping summer will arrive soon. Suny students are staying in tonight; "I am not going out in this type of weather" said Edrich, her friend Lea Gordon agreed, adding that she could not wait to get back to her dorm room. With the weather this dull, we are looking forward to a harsh week filled with snow flurries and cold wind; so make sure to zipper those jackets and bundle up.

Compound Interest

What compound interest really means is when you borrow money from a bank and have to pay interest. Interest, is the extra money owed to the bank due to the fact that you borrowed money; like a fee. The concept of interest is so that the bank makes money in the process of letting you borrow it.

Suppose the starting principal was $100.00 and the annual growth rate was 10%, in three years the future value would be $133.00

The website below allows you to enter the annual rate, savings rate, and monthly contributions. After entering those amounts, it shows a graph and explains the interest rate.

http://www.ingnz.com/WEB/webm.nsf/CompoundInterest?OpenForm

6 word biography

Love writing, dancing and my family.

Parents divorced and still happy family.

Have my life and priorities set.

Plagiarism

Although there are people who copy certain sources, it still is illegal. But how does a person know where to draw the line? In my opinion, there is never a wrong time to add quotation or reference to a certain source. Plagiarism is a huge deal. I would not want somoene to copy my work without giving me credit because I worked hard on doing that work. People should always refer to the source because it can lead to a lot of trouble.
In the case of John Merrill, I think that he should have at least mentioned Anna Koeppel in his article; that would have saved him his job and humiliation. For a person who was well known and looked up to, he should have known better than to just use the same sources as Koeppel.
Plagiarism is a huge deal and putting a name of a source is never a bad idea.

How does an idea become a law?

Many people tend to have interesting ideas for laws; but how does an idea really become a law? Well first, someone has to come up with the idea. Then, that person or the senate writes a bill suggesting that idea to become a law. That idea is then introduced to the House or the Senate and is reviewed by the committee. If the House decides to pass the bill, it is sent to the chamber of the General Assembly then to the Governer where there is a meeting and the final version of the bill is passed. The governer signs the bill and the Secretary of State is given the bill which then becomes a law.
I have always had many ideas which I thought would be great laws but never knew how to get it done. Although it takes a lot of time and processing, it can be done. I think that the government opens their horizons for people's ideas because I have heard of laws which I never even imagined could become laws. For example, in Arizona, a man can legally beat his wife but not more than once a month. In Alabama, dominoes are not allowed to be played on Sunday. These are such crazy laws. Turns out anyone can make their idea into a law.

http://crazytopics.blogspot.com/2007/01/craziest-laws-in-america.html

What is the Electoral College?

The Electoral College is the term which describes the 538 Presidential Electors. The Presidential Electors are responsible for voting for the actual Presidential Candidates. They meet every four years to cast their votes for the next President and Vice President. Every state consists of an Electoral College. These Electors meet on the same day and after all 51 meetings are held on the same day, the candidates for president and vice president are decided. There are two electoral votes for each state, similar to the two senates in each state. If the candidate running for president or vice president gets 270 votes or more, it is safe to say that candidate will most likely be elected. Many say there are disadvantages to this process because the candidate can recieve the majority vote from the people but not from the electoral college.