Monday, April 12, 2010
How much security do passwords provide?
This article, published on April 11 on Boston.com, touches upon the online security that passwords are said to protect. However, are these safety measures all in our heads?
Monday, March 29, 2010
Story Ideas for March 29
- Story Idea #1: There has been some recent research done regarding the idea of holding online support groups for health problems, such as cancer diagnoses. This idea offers support at all hours of the day and night, and can be more anonymous than a face-to-face meeting. However, there is no way of monitoring who enters and exits these facilities. Could someone claiming to be a doctor actually do more harm than help? Can people participate in these discussions in an attempt to sell “cures” and other products? This website, Patients Like Me is one example of a more structured health support group.
- Story Idea #2: Many Americans fear being robbed, mostly because of the threat to their lives, but also because of the loss of control over funding. Many online banking institutions have been established, such as Quicken.com to help people manage funds without maintaining a written list of expenses. However, what are the threats to this? Does this make us more vulnerable to being robbed via computer hackers instead of people on the street? How do these works protect our privacy?
- Story Idea #2: Many Americans fear being robbed, mostly because of the threat to their lives, but also because of the loss of control over funding. Many online banking institutions have been established, such as Quicken.com to help people manage funds without maintaining a written list of expenses. However, what are the threats to this? Does this make us more vulnerable to being robbed via computer hackers instead of people on the street? How do these works protect our privacy?
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Preventing, but not Helping, Domestic Violence
The University of Massachusetts women's basketball game last weekend included an unusual half-time scene: over 50 males pledged to become more aware against stopping domestic violence against women.
Led by Leiutenant Governor Timothy Murray, the event was sponsored by the White Ribbon Campaign, a national program which promotes the end of men's violence towards women. This event came just one day before Valentine's Day, showing the importance of safety in dating, love, and other relationships.
While I take pride in the fact that this event was held on our own campus, showing that there is always room to take control of the violence that may occur within the college community, I wish that something else could be done to promote awareness of such a problem. Making a verbal pledge is important, and shows dedication from those men across campus.
However, I think it is likely that these are the men who have never been involved in domestic violence. While it is helpful to have events like this to keep violence from starting, is there anything being done at UMass for those who are already involved in violent relationships?
Led by Leiutenant Governor Timothy Murray, the event was sponsored by the White Ribbon Campaign, a national program which promotes the end of men's violence towards women. This event came just one day before Valentine's Day, showing the importance of safety in dating, love, and other relationships.
While I take pride in the fact that this event was held on our own campus, showing that there is always room to take control of the violence that may occur within the college community, I wish that something else could be done to promote awareness of such a problem. Making a verbal pledge is important, and shows dedication from those men across campus.
However, I think it is likely that these are the men who have never been involved in domestic violence. While it is helpful to have events like this to keep violence from starting, is there anything being done at UMass for those who are already involved in violent relationships?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Multimedia Package Story Ideas
What is your story's news hook? (That's another way of saying why now?)
- The lack of snow, especially in the recent snow day on February 10 throughout the east coast. How is this having an effect on winter sports? Touch upon the opening of the Olympics on February 12.
Who is your audience, and why will that audience find this story interesting?
- Audience members are those interested in winter sports, winter weather, etc. either in observation or participating in winter events.
Who are your sources? Write at least three full names, and tell me why they would be good to interview for this story.
- The University of Massachusetts Ski and Board Club (skiclub@stuaf.umass.edu) would have information about UMass winter sports, those who are involved, upcoming events, how this winter compares to other years, etc.
- The University of Massachusetts Alpine Ski Club (University of Massachusetts
314 Student Union, RSO Box 17) involved in winter sports, can talk about the weather this year in comparison to other years in terms of skiing, mountain conditions, etc.
- Mount Snow Ski Resort (802-464-3333) to determine how sales are for winter sports, if the lack of snow has affected the number of skiers and snowboarders
What is your story's news hook? (That's another way of saying why now?)
- AmherstSecrets.com is recently developed, can be linked to the visit from PostSecret’s Frank Warren to the UMass campus on February 10.
Who is your audience, and why will that audience find this story interesting?
- Audience is students in the Amherst area, people who have contributed to the website, people who have visited the website, people who are familiar with the idea of PostSecret, anyone interested in the idea of social networking websites
Who are your sources? Write at least three full names, and tell me why they would be good to interview for this story.
- Craig Durham, AmherstSecrets.com's co-founder ((617) 939-3426 or amherstsecrets@gmail.com) since the identity of the website owner is unknown to readers, it would be interesting to see how this person came up with this idea, decided to begin the website, see what he gets out of it, etc.
- The University of Massachusetts counseling and assessment services (123 Berkshire House, (413) 545 – 0333) they are listed as a resource on the AmherstSecrets' website, and may have some collaboration with the website, or opinion about how it is run or how it is influencing their services
- University of Massachusetts students to determine whether they are aware of the website, how they feel about it, how it has affected them or their friends
- The lack of snow, especially in the recent snow day on February 10 throughout the east coast. How is this having an effect on winter sports? Touch upon the opening of the Olympics on February 12.
Who is your audience, and why will that audience find this story interesting?
- Audience members are those interested in winter sports, winter weather, etc. either in observation or participating in winter events.
Who are your sources? Write at least three full names, and tell me why they would be good to interview for this story.
- The University of Massachusetts Ski and Board Club (skiclub@stuaf.umass.edu) would have information about UMass winter sports, those who are involved, upcoming events, how this winter compares to other years, etc.
- The University of Massachusetts Alpine Ski Club (University of Massachusetts
314 Student Union, RSO Box 17) involved in winter sports, can talk about the weather this year in comparison to other years in terms of skiing, mountain conditions, etc.
- Mount Snow Ski Resort (802-464-3333) to determine how sales are for winter sports, if the lack of snow has affected the number of skiers and snowboarders
What is your story's news hook? (That's another way of saying why now?)
- AmherstSecrets.com is recently developed, can be linked to the visit from PostSecret’s Frank Warren to the UMass campus on February 10.
Who is your audience, and why will that audience find this story interesting?
- Audience is students in the Amherst area, people who have contributed to the website, people who have visited the website, people who are familiar with the idea of PostSecret, anyone interested in the idea of social networking websites
Who are your sources? Write at least three full names, and tell me why they would be good to interview for this story.
- Craig Durham, AmherstSecrets.com's co-founder ((617) 939-3426 or amherstsecrets@gmail.com) since the identity of the website owner is unknown to readers, it would be interesting to see how this person came up with this idea, decided to begin the website, see what he gets out of it, etc.
- The University of Massachusetts counseling and assessment services (123 Berkshire House, (413) 545 – 0333) they are listed as a resource on the AmherstSecrets' website, and may have some collaboration with the website, or opinion about how it is run or how it is influencing their services
- University of Massachusetts students to determine whether they are aware of the website, how they feel about it, how it has affected them or their friends
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
National Coverage of a Local Tragedy
Earlier this month, western Massachusetts, normally a valley of calm co-habitation between all kinds of people, was torn apart by a local tragedy. The death of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince, allegedly due to bullying which occurred both inside and out of her South Hadley school shook community members into awareness of high school bullying.
Unfortunately, Phoebe’s story is not nearly the first to end in such a way. Less than a year ago, another young student, 11-year-old Carl Walker-Hoove, committed suicide by hanging himself – the same method that Phoebe used – because he was bullied at school. A Springfield native, Walker-Hoove attended a charter school, and his untimely death hit home in the Pioneer Valley community.
While there are resources to aid those who are struggling with depression or suicide, as well as their families and friends, such as the reports issued through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this information often comes too late to help those you people who wish to take their lives.
In these two most recent cases, members of the schools and towns have been left picking up the pieces of these children’s lives, and vowing to remember them in candlelight vigils and memorial services. It is hoped that the bullying and harassment that takes place throughout the country will soon be eliminated, and that young students can feel comfortable going to school in peace.
Unfortunately, Phoebe’s story is not nearly the first to end in such a way. Less than a year ago, another young student, 11-year-old Carl Walker-Hoove, committed suicide by hanging himself – the same method that Phoebe used – because he was bullied at school. A Springfield native, Walker-Hoove attended a charter school, and his untimely death hit home in the Pioneer Valley community.
While there are resources to aid those who are struggling with depression or suicide, as well as their families and friends, such as the reports issued through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this information often comes too late to help those you people who wish to take their lives.
In these two most recent cases, members of the schools and towns have been left picking up the pieces of these children’s lives, and vowing to remember them in candlelight vigils and memorial services. It is hoped that the bullying and harassment that takes place throughout the country will soon be eliminated, and that young students can feel comfortable going to school in peace.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Voice of the People?
Aside from standing naked in your high school cafeteria, it is your worst nightmare.
You're a journalist, about to miss your deadline, and none of your contacts will return your calls.
This same scenario happened to me when searching for comments about the recent election of Scott Brown to the Senate. After contacting nearly a dozen health care providers in Massachusetts, including Cooley Dickinson Hospital and a representative at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association of Massachusetts, I had a great void of information, rather than the abundance that I had hoped for.
While the most recent senatorial race ended nearly two weeks ago, Massachusetts residents continue to feel the consequences of newly-elected Senator Scott Brown, a republican candidate who managed to overcome the historically democratic state. Especially in terms of health care and its future in Massachusetts and throughout the country, I attacked this investigation with vigor, eager to hear the speculations made by Massachusetts residents.
However, the lack of chatter was eery. I was disconnected various times via telephone, and ignored via email. Most often, the health care personnel that I spoke to were left speechless when I proposed my questions of Scott Brown's recent election.
As for the single response I received from Cooley Dickinson Public Relations Manager Christina Trinchero, it was simply, "I am unable to speculate as to how hospital personnel are feeling about the election of Scott Brown to the Senate seat." While she did offer to speak to the CEO of the hospital for his "input based on the issue of healthcare," I could tell that I would be receiving a generated response, which is not ideal for an investigative reporter.
While I was frustrated with the lack of opinions and information I was getting, this also correlated with the lack of voting which took place for the senatorial election to replace the late Edward Kennedy. So often, politics stir up emotions amongst the general public, and opinions run rampant, yet finding people to speak upon the topic of Scott Brown's election in relation to public health care was nearly impossible as a journalist. Could it mean that the future of health care is unknown, even to those who work in the profession?
You're a journalist, about to miss your deadline, and none of your contacts will return your calls.
This same scenario happened to me when searching for comments about the recent election of Scott Brown to the Senate. After contacting nearly a dozen health care providers in Massachusetts, including Cooley Dickinson Hospital and a representative at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association of Massachusetts, I had a great void of information, rather than the abundance that I had hoped for.
While the most recent senatorial race ended nearly two weeks ago, Massachusetts residents continue to feel the consequences of newly-elected Senator Scott Brown, a republican candidate who managed to overcome the historically democratic state. Especially in terms of health care and its future in Massachusetts and throughout the country, I attacked this investigation with vigor, eager to hear the speculations made by Massachusetts residents.
However, the lack of chatter was eery. I was disconnected various times via telephone, and ignored via email. Most often, the health care personnel that I spoke to were left speechless when I proposed my questions of Scott Brown's recent election.
As for the single response I received from Cooley Dickinson Public Relations Manager Christina Trinchero, it was simply, "I am unable to speculate as to how hospital personnel are feeling about the election of Scott Brown to the Senate seat." While she did offer to speak to the CEO of the hospital for his "input based on the issue of healthcare," I could tell that I would be receiving a generated response, which is not ideal for an investigative reporter.
While I was frustrated with the lack of opinions and information I was getting, this also correlated with the lack of voting which took place for the senatorial election to replace the late Edward Kennedy. So often, politics stir up emotions amongst the general public, and opinions run rampant, yet finding people to speak upon the topic of Scott Brown's election in relation to public health care was nearly impossible as a journalist. Could it mean that the future of health care is unknown, even to those who work in the profession?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Boston.com - Healthy Lifestyles
I chose this blog because I have an interest in health and nutrition, and while these topics may not be considered breaking news, they certainly hold importance for the general population. Additionally, I have always been a fan of the Boston Globe website, and have relied on it as a news source for years.
These blog posts seem very informative, and seem to speak about issues that are relevant and timely, similar to what would be published in a printed publication. However, the author is able to interact with her audience, and answer questions about what she writes about, such as in Zumba Helps Fight Childhood Obesity. Since she has a strong background in fitness training and development, she is definitely knowledgeable on the topic, although this could cause her to become biased towards a certain fitness or health program.
Something I especially took notice of was the fact that she does her own investigative reporting. In one instance, Are Microwave Oven Safe? she mentions an article that she has recently read claiming that microwaves are hazardous, and then continues on to find information released by the FDA to oppose this claim. As a reader, I appreciate the fact that she didn’t take this news at face value, and instead completed some more thorough reporting. Additionally, she gives the readers all of the links so that they can read more if they chose, thus allowing them to make their own informed decision, rather than forcing her opinion through her words.
Overall, I felt that this blog was done very professionally, as a way of informing readers through honest and straight-forward research and clear writing, while also managing to place a fun and upbeat spin on exercise, health and personal fitness.
These blog posts seem very informative, and seem to speak about issues that are relevant and timely, similar to what would be published in a printed publication. However, the author is able to interact with her audience, and answer questions about what she writes about, such as in Zumba Helps Fight Childhood Obesity. Since she has a strong background in fitness training and development, she is definitely knowledgeable on the topic, although this could cause her to become biased towards a certain fitness or health program.
Something I especially took notice of was the fact that she does her own investigative reporting. In one instance, Are Microwave Oven Safe? she mentions an article that she has recently read claiming that microwaves are hazardous, and then continues on to find information released by the FDA to oppose this claim. As a reader, I appreciate the fact that she didn’t take this news at face value, and instead completed some more thorough reporting. Additionally, she gives the readers all of the links so that they can read more if they chose, thus allowing them to make their own informed decision, rather than forcing her opinion through her words.
Overall, I felt that this blog was done very professionally, as a way of informing readers through honest and straight-forward research and clear writing, while also managing to place a fun and upbeat spin on exercise, health and personal fitness.
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