Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Wikileaks

I think it's wrong for Wikieaks to release government information that they don't want released. The same as you wouldn't want the government to release everything about you to everyone, the government wouldn't want everything about it released. The reasons government keep things secret is because if they didn't they could potentially release something that could anger another country which could lead to weakened relations or possibly, war. The secrets the government keeps are kept for a reason and that's to protect it's people, which is the reason why we have a government in the first place. Although the government arguably may not have the best system, but it has worked alright now for a long time. It was not wrong for the government to imprison the guy who uploaded the footage because even though he felt it was something that people should have seen, he broke a law.

If I had information that I wanted to release, but the government told me not to, I would probably not release it. The way I see it is that I existed before I had the information and I was happy and that if I didn't release it, I could still live happy. If I were to release it, it could come back to bite me, such as the guy who released the US helicopter tapes.

I would rather send my information to Openleaks because I think you absolutly need to stay neutral if your going to give people information. Wikileaks was founded off the bases that when anyone does anything wrong, we will expose it. The problem is that they're almost fighting the United States.


http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/213120/dutch_arrest_16yearold_related_to_wikileaks_attacks.html

This article is about a kid who attacked credit card companies with DDOS attacks. He is only one of thousands of kids who are involved in the online group Anonymous which is infamous for attacks against scientology and multiplayer games such as Habbo Hotel. Members within the group will create programs, in this case what they call Low Orbit Ion Cannons, and give them out to members within the group. The programs flood sites, causing problems and eventually shutting down sites that they attack. This kid was charged, but he wasn't the ringleader of the group or anything, he was just a random guy. In response to the arrest, the group started what they are calling Operation:Payback which will attack more credit card companies. I don't think they can do too much other than cause little problems and talk alot. I don't think it was wrong to arrest this kid because what he did was illegal and he shouldn't have received special treatment because he did it for wikileaks.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Analyzing News Video

The news video I used is found at http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/1221258968/ID=1675011274


1. The news report is on a site called wikileaks releasing information that China is growing more and more frustrated with North Korea and would welcome a single Korea run by the South.

2. The establishing shot in this video is of a Korean military parade showing off soldiers, weapons, and bombs.

3. The video starts with the caption "Wikileaks: China Frustrated" and Carol MacNeil saying that China doesn't have as much power over Korea as we thought. This was her attention grabber to draw the viewer in.

4. A big source for this article is wikileaks, a website that leaks government information. Another is Andrew Nichols, a person they interview on how China feels about Korea.

5. Two questions they would have asked probably would have been are "Why is China upset with Korea?" and "How could this affect us?".

6. One type of B-roll in this video would be the scene with the military rally in the beginning and another would be when they show the soldiers burning the North Korean flag.

7. I think they could have used footage of maybe Chinease soldiers or even of the UN discussing the subject.

8. There is only one voice over and it's of Andrew Nichols saying basically that China does not have that much influence over Korea, that after Kim Jong Il dies, the country will very likely fall apart, and that Korea is still unpredictable.

9. The ending is when Andrew says that this information is China's opinion released through the wikileaks documents but it is not China's policy to release such information.

10. The reporter is Andrew Nichols and he doesn't have a tag; Carol just thanks him and it ends.

Monday, November 22, 2010

The Interview

Throughout the interview, Barbara Frum keeps her cool even after she was told that there were assassins on the to kill her and everyone who murdered the environment at that time. If Barbara didn't get a real answer (she rarely did), she would asked the question again in a different way. She also responds to all the answers she gets calmly.

If she had of been more aggressive, I think Lynette Fromme would have hung up earlier. Towards the end you can tell Barbara is starting to become frustrated and therefore more aggressive, and Lynette then hangs up.

I think the most effective question was when she asked why and was told that they were murdering people because these people were murdering the trees and the environment because I really think that it shows that shes insane.

From the interview, I think I learned that aggression is not the way to go. I know being assertive is part of interviewing but not everyone can tolerate it. I also think that I know how to respond to a wild interview.

I don't know a particular person I would like to interview, but I would like them to be fairly normal and give normal answers or answers that I could expect or anticipate. The interview would be pretty easy and wouldn't end up as the most popular interview ever, but I wouldn't be risking anything in the process.

Frums interview can be found at: http://archives.cbc.ca/arts_entertainment/media/topics/368-2086/

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Caught in Lies

Before reading about the Stephen Harper wafer incident, I never considered news could be fake when newspapers make such a big deal and pride themselves on giving their consumers the real information. I do think some news is based off a persons opinion and can be somewhat biased.

I was actually surprised proffesional journalists would completely make up an article just to get their news more attention. That wouldn't make much sense to make up a controversial story and say it's true only to publish it and give it nation wide attention. It's like he told Mr. Harper a rumor he made up about him and expected him to take it. I don't think he put much thought into what he was doing. I feel differently for Janet Cooke's "Jimmy" story. This one was created for a good reason and she did do the right thing and confess that she made it up, eventually.

I totally agree with Jack Shafer in saying that "most liars make things up for the simple reason that they don't have the talent or the ability to get the story any other way" because of the word most. Lying in journalism is an easy way out. It takes no work and is rather lazy. Sometimes, such as in the Jimmy article, it is forgivable because it was for a good cause but it was still lazy of her because she couldn't find a child described like Jimmy but plenty of cases of children similar.

I don't really think it's the college's and school's job to root out people who aren't up to par journalists and it should instead fall onto the newspapers and publishers. If they don't want to do the work, the publisher would be the one to notice and should be the one to take action.

I think an ombudsman would certainly help, but that some of that responsibility should fall on the writer. I also don't see how a single ombudsman would be able to answer all the question fairly and unbiased. I think it should be more of a job that should gather a general opinion of a panal of people to decide. This would help to keep everything unbiased and fair.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Hard News vs. Soft News

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/10/21/russell-williams-day-four.html

This article is obviously hard news. It's about Col. Williams court case and certainly isn't meant to be light or humorous. Although it kind of does appeal to human interest, it's too much of a serious topic to be considered soft news. The pictures which are of scenes from the court add to the seriousness of the topic.


http://www.cbc.ca/canada/windsor/story/2010/10/21/windsor-dog-accident-triathlon.html

This article is about a dog who tripped a bicyclist and police are searching for the dog and the owner. I'm not sure whether this should be classified as hard or soft news. It talks about a dog who tripped a bicyclist which is kind of bad because she hurt her back pretty back and will likely be unable to compete in a triathlon but at the same time it's just plain hilarious because of the headline.


http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/10/26/panda-baby-boom-china.html

This panda is light news because it's news that the number of pandas born this year was 19, the highest in years since 18 in 2006. This is a good thing because panda's are in danger of becoming extinct and this story provides the reader with happiness of knowing that an animal that many love may become for popular.


http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/10/26/indonesia-volcano-evacuation.html

This article is about the volcano that began to erupt Tuesday in Indonesia that killed at least 25 people according to this article. This is hard news because people are dieing or in risk of being injured. We can't really relate but we feel bad for them and try to help in any way we can.


http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Oddities/a39096.html

This soft news article is about zombies and them beginning their invasion of New York. The article says they were two dozen actors doing it as a TV stunt. This is soft news because it's a fun article to read and isn't a too serious topic.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Is it Newsworthy?

Col. Russell Williams guilty pleas expected
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/10/18/col-williams-court-1018.html

Timing - 4/4

Near perfect timing because this only happened about 3 hours ago from the time I'm writing this and the article was uploaded an hour and a half ago.

Significance - 4/4

If this guy doesn't deserve 4/4 for significance I will rip my own head off. He is expected to plead guilty for 88 charges including 61 counts of breaking and entering.

Proximity - 3/4

This is happening in Ontario which is kind of far but not too far. Not much else to say on this.

Prominance - 2/4

Giving this a 2 out of 4 because people had to of hear of this guy because some of his crimes include murder and sexual assault, but I never heard of this until today.

Human Interest - 4/4

When ever a notorious criminal is arrested, it always has people talking. Heck, people are still talking about Allen Legere and that was Almost 25 years ago.

Final Newsworty mark - 17/20




Typhoon Megi lashes Philippines
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/10/18/typhoon-megi-philippines.html

Timing - 2/4

It doesn't say when this happened but it was the newest upload.

Significance - 4/4

Thousands are stranded without homes and they were hit with wind speeds of 225km/h to 260km/h.

Proximity - 2/4

This happened on the other side of the world, but we were hit with a hurricane not to long ago and we can almost relate.

Prominece - 2/4

People are going to be given help and this will likely affect us somehow.

Human Interest - 3/4

The main thing here is sympathy. People who are not well off are now even worse off.

Final Newsworthy Mark - 13/20



U.S. bloggers call for boycott of Canadian-made halal Campbell's soup
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/us-bloggers-call-for-boycott-of-canadian-made-halal-campbells-soup/article1761436/

Timing - 4/4

This is an ongoing thing that's happening right now.

Significance - 1/4

I gave this a 1 out of 4 because I don't even see how this makes even a little sence. I'm only giving it a 1 because this certainly caught my eye.

Proximity - 3/4

This is happening on some popular blog. Since I'm blogging right now, I think I could get away with saying this is kind of close to home.

Prominence - 2/4

I'm sure this is a big deal to a certain group of people, but this doesn't affect very many.

Human Interest - 4/4

This deserves 4 out of 4 because this is the best news article I think I've ever read, and for the people who read this, I know they would feel the same.

Final Newsworthy Mark - 12/20



Dozens of Facebook apps breached
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/dozens-of-facebook-apps-breached/article1761305/

Timing - 3/4

I guess this could be happening right now, and this is a new article.

Significance - 3/4

Think about how many people you know who use facebook. Everyone. Everyone of those people are in potential danger of ID theft.

Proximity - 2/4

Once again, this is on the internet so it could happen to anyone, anywhere.

Prominence - 1/4

I'm going to give this a one out of four because even though this poses a threat to everyone, it more than likely will only effect 10 people.

Human Interest - 3/4

Everyone who uses facebook would like this article. Unfortunatly, I don't use it and find this kind of bland.

Final Newsworthy Mark - 12/20

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Writing the News Article



Monday's storm leaves locals homeless

On monday morning residents of Blackville woke up to their houses and properties destroyed by the storm that passed through. Many residents are in panic but police say the best course of action is to hold up with family and friends.

It's reported that 17 houses in total were destroyed and almost everywhere is covered with downed trees and broken branches. No one was killed or injured in the storm.

"Many families stayed in the public shelter," Janie Edwin, mother of two, said. "We are glad we did. I couldn't bear to lose one of us." Janie's house was one of the 17 destroyed in the storm.

Local Grocery stores and convience stores have been busier than ever with families scrambling to gather food.

Sgt. Williamson tells citizens, "People left homeless are either staying with families or in the public shelters. We're doing all we can but I feel it isn't enough.

There will be a fundraiser for people who lost houses on Saturday at the Rec Hall.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Starting with the basics

For my first summary, I chose an article from CBC entitled "Igor leaves thousands stranded in Newfoundland". The who is the citizens of Newfoundland, the what is the hurricane, the when is Thursday morning, where is Newfoundland, and why may be because the people were ill prepared. The lead was certainly effective because it means thousands of people stranded not too awful far away from here. One quote is from RCMP sgt. Boyd Merrill said, "People do not have to panic; they do not need to rush to the grocery store." Yes, the most interesting information was told first, which was that 1000 people are stranded. The story ends with police telling people things will be back in order soon, but doesn't really have an ending because the hurricane isn't over yet. The article can be found at: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/09/23/igor-stranded-cleanup-923.html

The second summary is from the Canadian Press article, "Canada fears loss in UN Security Council race against Germany, Portugal". The who is Canada and Germany and Portugal, the what is the countries are fighting over a seat on the UN's most powerful decision making board, the when is as I am writing this, why is because they will have more of a say in world issues, and where is global. The lead is kind of dull or boring because it's nothing of particular value to most people and it doesn't catch my attention. "It's less our style in the economic downturn. At the end of the day, we're not conducting our foreign affairs to be part of a council. We're conducting our foreign affairs based on the values Canadians embrace," said the official. The most important information was told first but I would hardly say that it was at all interesting, but neither was the topic. The ending basically says that whatever the outcome, Canada will survive and still have power among the UN and in foreign affairs. The link is: http://www.thecanadianpress.com/english/online/OnlineFullStory.aspx?filename=DOR-MNN-CP.d30aa1892b194aca8aaaabe33c79394f.CPKEY2008111303&newsitemid=4603693&languageid=1

My third and final summary is called "Iran nuclear program disrupted by cyberattack, experts believe". The who is the Iran idustrial computer system, the what is a virus, the when is this morning, the where is Iran, and the why is suspected to be an attack from within the state. I suppose the lead is effective because it uses the words "nuclear" and "cyberattack" and I don't see how that would not catch anyones attention. “It’s pretty clear that based on the infection behaviour that installations in Iran are being targeted,” said Kevin Hogan, Senior Director of Security Response at Symantec. I think that the most interesting part in this story is told in the title itself, so yes, it was the first part told. The ending is a little boring, with Seimens saying that they will offer up-to-date virus scans and it seems more like an advertisement rather than an ending. This article can be found at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/africa-mideast/iran-nuclear-program-disrupted-by-cyberattack-experts-believe/article1723083/

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Applying for the job

Mr. Carter
Teacher
Blackville School

Re. Applying for the Job

Dear Mr. Carter:

I am interested in applying for the job of web and layout designer for the Talon online newspaper.

I think I would be good at this jobs because it sounds interesting and might even be fun to work with computers. I use computers all the time and know my way around editing photos and a little bit of web design.

I would very much like to be accepted for this job because it sounds like a step in the right direction for me because I'm not good at speaking or writing. If you have any other concerns you can speak with me at your earliest convenience

Sincerely,

Jordan C


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Carter
Teacher
Blackville School

Re. Applying for the job

Dear Mr. Carter,

I am interested in applying for the job of camera operator and film operator for the Talon online newspaper.

This sounds like it would be a good job for me because I have some expierience with editing programs and I would rather hold the camera and not be the one speaking into it.

This job would be a good second option because I had fun doing this in grade 10 writing and I would imagine that it would still be enjoyable. If you have any other concerns you can speak with me at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Jordan C














Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Journal Entry #1

I can understand why the Publick Occurences newspaper was shut down, but I don't think it should be shut down for criticizing the government. I think that would be like the government killing off people who had any opinion that oposed their own ideas. I think that the old newspapers had a good idea where when you're done with a newspaper, you right your own opinions or story and pass it onto the next reader, much like how comments work on blogs and other news sources on websites today. I was actually really surprised they did this because today our newspapers don't have the "comments" section. You would think that a comments section would have came afterwards.

The other thing is that most newspapers today are critical towards the government but still are allowed to be published. I think this is because if the government shut down a newspaper today, no one would ever hear the end of it because it would cause a backlash worse than the effect the newspaper would have on them. In conclusion, I don't think that it was fair for the Publick Occurences paper to be shut down and if it happened today, it would possibly be a bigger deal.