Before this project, I never considered having a blog. In the beginning, I was hesitant and wasn't really sure if I was being effective in my blogging. It was a new type of writing for me, but I really have enjoyed it and the creativity it allowed me.
http://www.dailyblogtips.com/what-is-a-blog/
Blogging showed me a different side of writing, one that was in between formal and informal. I learned to keep my sentences short, yet full of detail. I took the stories I found or ideas I had and compiled them in a way that would catch readers' attention.
http://www.bloggingtips.com/
In this class, we have practiced and learned several types of writing. My least favorite has been for radio. I always feel hesitant of how to word things and wonder if my word choice is simple and clear enough for radio. My favorite has definitely been blogging because I have greater control of the topic and enjoy the personal touch that is I can put in each post.
http://journalism20.nuvvo.com/lesson/7582-writing-for-radio
I am surprised at the amount of knowledge I have gained from this class. At first, I was overly confident in my writing skills and did not see room for improvement. However, I have learned valuable skills that will always benefit me in both my professional and personal life. Writing is such a wonderful communication tool, one that is full of expression. I enjoy the creative outlet it gives me.
"Words are a lens to focus one's mind." Ayn Rand
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Confession 13 - Slavery Among Us
A sex trafficking ring was finally busted on Tuesday. The ring has been going since 2008. Thirteen suspects are in custody. http://news.yahoo.com/us-women-ny-nj-forced-sex-25-times-194301077.html
The suspects brought women, sometimes as young as early teens, from Mexico and forced them to have sex with up to thirty men a day. The women were promised a better life, marriages, jobs, and futures in America, but were only mistreated. Women reported being beaten and left on the street when they did not follow orders. Those who escaped usually went back to prostitution because there was little opportunities for them due to being illegal immigrants. Contraceptive was used but if a woman was suspected to be pregnant, the pimps would force them to take drugs that would cause a miscarriage. Many victims lived and worked in brothels. The average price for their services was $30 for 15 minutes. Little or none of that money went to the women.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/51724260/ns/local_news-new_york_ny/
In New Jersey, the women were shipped to large farms where they would be forced to have sex with the farm workers. Other women were in ghettos or in brothels that were in disgusting apartment housing. Some women are scheduled to speak in court tomorrow in Manhattan.
http://online.wsj.com/article/AP94a1da14429245ad8f19cfae16fb1755.html
Mexican cartels are now moving away from the drug business and into human trafficking. A cartel will use women to cook, clean, and for prostitution. http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-07-27/world/35267252_1_sexual-exploitation-marisela-morales-cartels
The suspects brought women, sometimes as young as early teens, from Mexico and forced them to have sex with up to thirty men a day. The women were promised a better life, marriages, jobs, and futures in America, but were only mistreated. Women reported being beaten and left on the street when they did not follow orders. Those who escaped usually went back to prostitution because there was little opportunities for them due to being illegal immigrants. Contraceptive was used but if a woman was suspected to be pregnant, the pimps would force them to take drugs that would cause a miscarriage. Many victims lived and worked in brothels. The average price for their services was $30 for 15 minutes. Little or none of that money went to the women.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/51724260/ns/local_news-new_york_ny/
In New Jersey, the women were shipped to large farms where they would be forced to have sex with the farm workers. Other women were in ghettos or in brothels that were in disgusting apartment housing. Some women are scheduled to speak in court tomorrow in Manhattan.
http://online.wsj.com/article/AP94a1da14429245ad8f19cfae16fb1755.html
Mexican cartels are now moving away from the drug business and into human trafficking. A cartel will use women to cook, clean, and for prostitution. http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-07-27/world/35267252_1_sexual-exploitation-marisela-morales-cartels
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Confession 12 - Public Relations vs. Advertising
There is a fine line between Public Relations and Advertising, however, there is indeed a line.
http://advertising.about.com/od/careersource/a/10advpr.htm
Advertising does not encompass all that PR does. It simply is promoting a product, usually for revenue. In advertising, a company is paying for the advertisement space. PR involves getting recognition or information out to the public, usually through press releases which do not cost anything. It is free communication/advertising to the organizations public. Since advertising does cost, people view it differently.
Advertising is very visual and creative. The information cannot be manipulated. With PR, the media has full control over the information.
Ads can be continuously reused over long periods of times. Press Releases and Media Releases are only used for the one instance.
PR is much more conservative, while Advertising includes outlandish and over the top techniques.
http://www.theprboutique.com/pr-vs-advertising-whats-the-difference/
Jobs are both available with Public Relations or Advertising firms. Often, public relations and advertising are used together. Both have the purpose to gain recognition and a response of some sort.
http://advertising.about.com/od/careersource/a/10advpr.htm
Advertising does not encompass all that PR does. It simply is promoting a product, usually for revenue. In advertising, a company is paying for the advertisement space. PR involves getting recognition or information out to the public, usually through press releases which do not cost anything. It is free communication/advertising to the organizations public. Since advertising does cost, people view it differently.
Advertising is very visual and creative. The information cannot be manipulated. With PR, the media has full control over the information.
Ads can be continuously reused over long periods of times. Press Releases and Media Releases are only used for the one instance.
PR is much more conservative, while Advertising includes outlandish and over the top techniques.
http://www.theprboutique.com/pr-vs-advertising-whats-the-difference/
Jobs are both available with Public Relations or Advertising firms. Often, public relations and advertising are used together. Both have the purpose to gain recognition and a response of some sort.
Confession 11 - Good or Bad
In our fast pace lives, we tend to take the "shortcut". We now have so many amazing tools and mediums for communication, but are we just being lazy? Consider when we text. Are we even creating actual sentences or do we abbreviate things too much? Why do we skip over punctuation or even leave our words completely? This may change the way we communicate professionally.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/03/text-messaging-texting-conversation_n_1566408.html
In our modern world, we are becoming much more open minded than we have been in the past. Therefore, journalists must be cautious in the what words they chose. Their words directly reflect the views and values of their organization. It is important to not lose viewers, readers, or supporters due to offensive material.
Newspapers have been a staple in day to day life. However, with the growing popularity of the Internet, many newspapers are not making the traditional paper newspapers and are going to Internet versions only. This causes the problem of who and how we communicate to. Elderly people are less likely to use the Internet for their source of news, but if the funds are not available then newspapers are not able to produce paper copies.
With the comforts of modern writing technologies, we rarely sit down with a pen and paper and give thought to our messages. In haste, we post on our Facebook or send emails that may not be as accurate as it could be.
Technology creates an ease when it comes to writing, but it also can take out the meaning and intimacy that communication once was.
http://www.cloudproductivity.net/modern-journal-writing-challenges/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/03/text-messaging-texting-conversation_n_1566408.html
In our modern world, we are becoming much more open minded than we have been in the past. Therefore, journalists must be cautious in the what words they chose. Their words directly reflect the views and values of their organization. It is important to not lose viewers, readers, or supporters due to offensive material.
Newspapers have been a staple in day to day life. However, with the growing popularity of the Internet, many newspapers are not making the traditional paper newspapers and are going to Internet versions only. This causes the problem of who and how we communicate to. Elderly people are less likely to use the Internet for their source of news, but if the funds are not available then newspapers are not able to produce paper copies.
With the comforts of modern writing technologies, we rarely sit down with a pen and paper and give thought to our messages. In haste, we post on our Facebook or send emails that may not be as accurate as it could be.
Technology creates an ease when it comes to writing, but it also can take out the meaning and intimacy that communication once was.
http://www.cloudproductivity.net/modern-journal-writing-challenges/
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Confession 10 - Communication in a Modern World
The ways of communication have completely evolved over time. We are no longer sending telegrams or even writing letters. We have the amazing choice of the quick press of a call button on our telephone or send button on our computer screen. Communication has became easier than every but, has it ruined communication or improved it? It is easier to reach people in today's world through the new technologies. We live in a fast pace world and have became spoiled to the fact that we can have things immediately. The rage in going "green" also has caused people to look down on the conventional ways of communicating through newspapers. http://web.mediaspacesolutions.com/blog/bid/175807/Surprised-Online-Newspaper-Content-Consumption-on-the-Rise
Does Facebook take the intimacy out of talking to others? Or, does it broaden our horizons and open doors to more contacts?
Social Media has given us the opportunity to network easily with people all over the world. It helps us create a larger contact base and virtually have the ability to share and receive information almost immediately.
Unfortunately, if social media is not used in efficient ways it can completely damage communication. With the "right now" feature that social media and the internet gives us, we may put forth information without hesitation or not give much thought to the words we immediately express. This can be hazardous in keeping professionalism in our lives and also in our personal lives. People are more willing to give out private information through the computer because they feel that it is safe.
Twitter has now became the new rage in social media. I do not feel that it is the new Facebook because its conversation style is completely different. It does have the unique hashtag feature that gives us the opportunity to look at other peoples views, opinions, and comments on similar topics.
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-03-08/facebook-vs-dot-twitter-want-your-feed-filtered-or-unfiltered
The internet has really opened doors for occupations in the communication field. Organizations and groups now have the ability to reach a larger spectrum of people or focus in on certain niches.
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/ways-boost-brand-awareness-social-media-10102.html
The Internet is the new playing field. GET OUT THERE!
Does Facebook take the intimacy out of talking to others? Or, does it broaden our horizons and open doors to more contacts?
Social Media has given us the opportunity to network easily with people all over the world. It helps us create a larger contact base and virtually have the ability to share and receive information almost immediately.
Unfortunately, if social media is not used in efficient ways it can completely damage communication. With the "right now" feature that social media and the internet gives us, we may put forth information without hesitation or not give much thought to the words we immediately express. This can be hazardous in keeping professionalism in our lives and also in our personal lives. People are more willing to give out private information through the computer because they feel that it is safe.
Twitter has now became the new rage in social media. I do not feel that it is the new Facebook because its conversation style is completely different. It does have the unique hashtag feature that gives us the opportunity to look at other peoples views, opinions, and comments on similar topics.
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-03-08/facebook-vs-dot-twitter-want-your-feed-filtered-or-unfiltered
The internet has really opened doors for occupations in the communication field. Organizations and groups now have the ability to reach a larger spectrum of people or focus in on certain niches.
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/ways-boost-brand-awareness-social-media-10102.html
The Internet is the new playing field. GET OUT THERE!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Confession 9 - Cruise of Death
2,409 passengers left on a seven day cruise out of Baltimore last week and only 2,408 returned on Monday, April 25. Sadly, a 64 year old Virginia woman was found dead the night of the departure in her room by her husband. Even more disturbing, the man had to stay on the ship for the remainder of the cruise. This morning, FBI officials have said that the death is now considered suspicious.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/03/27/fbi-looks-at-cruise-ship-death-out-baltimore/
Deaths on cruise ships are becoming more and more common. Although an exact count of deaths have never been reported, The International Cruise Victims advocacy group say that 198 deaths have occurred since 1995.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/blog/bs-md-ci-cruise-ship-death-20130326,0,3001936.story
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/03/27/fbi-looks-at-cruise-ship-death-out-baltimore/
Deaths on cruise ships are becoming more and more common. Although an exact count of deaths have never been reported, The International Cruise Victims advocacy group say that 198 deaths have occurred since 1995.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/blog/bs-md-ci-cruise-ship-death-20130326,0,3001936.story
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Confession 8 - Taking a Stand
In India, a rape crime is reported every 20 minutes. The number of reported rapes in 2011 alone was over 24 thousand. Until now, little has been done about this sad truth even though the country finds it as a "national problem". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_in_India
In December of 2012, the national news covered as story on a Swiss couple being attacked in Madhya Pradesh. The couple was robbed after they were attacked.The man was beaten and the woman was raped. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/18/india-gang-rape-swiss-tourist_n_2900508.html?utm_hp_ref=world
Another story covered the rape of a 24 year old medical student who was gang raped while traveling on a moving bus. The girl was in the hospital under critical condition. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/delhi-gangrape-in-bus-after-night-of-horror-medical-student-battling-for-her-life-cops-arrest-4/1046944/
Last Thursday, March14, Indian Parliament passed a new rape law in response to these recent sexual assaults. The law now criminalizes stalking and results in the death penalty for those who are repeated offenders or whose sexual acts result in the death of their victim. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/03/21/india-rape-law-harassment/2005269/
In December of 2012, the national news covered as story on a Swiss couple being attacked in Madhya Pradesh. The couple was robbed after they were attacked.The man was beaten and the woman was raped. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/18/india-gang-rape-swiss-tourist_n_2900508.html?utm_hp_ref=world
Another story covered the rape of a 24 year old medical student who was gang raped while traveling on a moving bus. The girl was in the hospital under critical condition. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/delhi-gangrape-in-bus-after-night-of-horror-medical-student-battling-for-her-life-cops-arrest-4/1046944/
Last Thursday, March14, Indian Parliament passed a new rape law in response to these recent sexual assaults. The law now criminalizes stalking and results in the death penalty for those who are repeated offenders or whose sexual acts result in the death of their victim. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/03/21/india-rape-law-harassment/2005269/
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Confession 7- A Sugar Coated Big Apple
New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg is most likely still disgusted by the news he received on March 11 that his city-wide ban on sodas was rejected by Judge Milton Tingling.
Mayor Bloomberg placed the ban in September and it was to take place on March 12. The ban would end the sale of sodas in containers larger than 16 ounces in The Big Apple. Drinks in grocery stores, convince stores, vending machines, and some newsstands would be exempt. However, any self-serve soda machine sellers (ball park concession stands and movie theaters, restaurants) would not be allowed to stock over-sized cups. Alcoholic-beverages, smoothies, and milkshakes would not be included in the ban.
Bloomberg felt that this would help fight obesity in the city and that several other places would follow in the same direction, as with end to smoking in restaurants. He also feels that the ban will eventually pass after an appeal, regardless of the recent decision by Judge Tingling.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/14/nyregion/health-board-approves-bloombergs-soda-ban.html?_r=0
Judge Tingling made his decision in response to a lawsuit against the ban by a group that represents the soda industry call the Statewide Coalition. The group filed the lawsuit because of loopholes- refills are allowed. Other New Yorkers complain that the ban violates their right to choose what they drink.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/03/11/judge-puts-cap-on-super-sized-soda-ban/
Mayor Bloomberg placed the ban in September and it was to take place on March 12. The ban would end the sale of sodas in containers larger than 16 ounces in The Big Apple. Drinks in grocery stores, convince stores, vending machines, and some newsstands would be exempt. However, any self-serve soda machine sellers (ball park concession stands and movie theaters, restaurants) would not be allowed to stock over-sized cups. Alcoholic-beverages, smoothies, and milkshakes would not be included in the ban.
Bloomberg felt that this would help fight obesity in the city and that several other places would follow in the same direction, as with end to smoking in restaurants. He also feels that the ban will eventually pass after an appeal, regardless of the recent decision by Judge Tingling.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/14/nyregion/health-board-approves-bloombergs-soda-ban.html?_r=0
Judge Tingling made his decision in response to a lawsuit against the ban by a group that represents the soda industry call the Statewide Coalition. The group filed the lawsuit because of loopholes- refills are allowed. Other New Yorkers complain that the ban violates their right to choose what they drink.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/03/11/judge-puts-cap-on-super-sized-soda-ban/
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Confession 6 - Read vs. Listen
We receive news in two ways: we read it or we listen to it. It would seem that the only difference in the two is the way we consume it but, this isn't true.
http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/tutorials/digital-transform/print-and-broadcast-news-vs-internet/
In broadcast news writing, you immediately identify the subject. In print, you want to grab the attention but you have more time to elaborate throughout the story. You have one time in broadcast to get the story out accurately and clearly. In print, there is time to review it before it is printed or time for the audience to reread it themselves if something is not completely clear. Broadcast must be told in a straight forward manner without unneeded facts. Print stories can focus on events that have previously passed. Broadcast news needs to develop stories from what is happening in the present and then develop the story in a backwards manner. Both ways should tackle a story in an organized manner and leave out any unnecessary information.
http://www.policymic.com/articles/7370/facebook-and-twitter-why-print-journalism-is-dying
Personally, I enjoy print writing more because I feel that it is more formulated. The downfall is that maybe there is less creativity to the process. I would much rather get my news by broadcast because it takes less effort. However, if it is on a matter that is close to my heart or something I am thoroughly interested in, I will usually pull up print news to recheck facts or get more in-depth information.
http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/tutorials/digital-transform/print-and-broadcast-news-vs-internet/
In broadcast news writing, you immediately identify the subject. In print, you want to grab the attention but you have more time to elaborate throughout the story. You have one time in broadcast to get the story out accurately and clearly. In print, there is time to review it before it is printed or time for the audience to reread it themselves if something is not completely clear. Broadcast must be told in a straight forward manner without unneeded facts. Print stories can focus on events that have previously passed. Broadcast news needs to develop stories from what is happening in the present and then develop the story in a backwards manner. Both ways should tackle a story in an organized manner and leave out any unnecessary information.
http://www.policymic.com/articles/7370/facebook-and-twitter-why-print-journalism-is-dying
Personally, I enjoy print writing more because I feel that it is more formulated. The downfall is that maybe there is less creativity to the process. I would much rather get my news by broadcast because it takes less effort. However, if it is on a matter that is close to my heart or something I am thoroughly interested in, I will usually pull up print news to recheck facts or get more in-depth information.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Confession 5 - Fabulous Friendship
Lately, I have learned that friendship just may be life's most precious gifts. Friendship gets us through the tough times, the lonely times, the good times, and the times that we feel the world is completely against us.
This past weekend, I joined my best friend on her Bachelorette trip to Memphis, TN http://www.memphistravel.com/. This trip strengthened our friendship and reminded us why we became friends in the first place. When she first announced her engagement, I immediately told her all the reasons that she shouldn't. She is young. They haven't been together long. Life is too short. She asked me not to be her maid of honor and I was crushed. It took weeks to realize that our friendship is better than that. I finally understood that even though odds are against them, they have so many things going for them. Love. Faith. Friendship.
My mom brought it to my attention that I should focus on giving her all of my support this weekend. It meant a lot to my mom that we resolve our problems since she has been worrying about her friend who was transferred to Oshner's Hospital in New Orleans http://www.neworleans.com/?utm_expid=43112794-0 due to a possibility of cancer.
I've learned that it doesn't matter where I stand in her wedding party because I am confident in where I am in her heart. I regret failing her as a friend because she has accepted me, even when I was not worthy of love. True friends are few and far between. I am a blessed individual to have someone so forgiving.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4773759223738&set=a.2781191770797.2120088.1288260156&type=3&theater
"Making a hundred friends is not a miracle. The miracle is to make a single friend who will stand by your side when hundred are against you." - Unknown
This past weekend, I joined my best friend on her Bachelorette trip to Memphis, TN http://www.memphistravel.com/. This trip strengthened our friendship and reminded us why we became friends in the first place. When she first announced her engagement, I immediately told her all the reasons that she shouldn't. She is young. They haven't been together long. Life is too short. She asked me not to be her maid of honor and I was crushed. It took weeks to realize that our friendship is better than that. I finally understood that even though odds are against them, they have so many things going for them. Love. Faith. Friendship.
My mom brought it to my attention that I should focus on giving her all of my support this weekend. It meant a lot to my mom that we resolve our problems since she has been worrying about her friend who was transferred to Oshner's Hospital in New Orleans http://www.neworleans.com/?utm_expid=43112794-0 due to a possibility of cancer.
I've learned that it doesn't matter where I stand in her wedding party because I am confident in where I am in her heart. I regret failing her as a friend because she has accepted me, even when I was not worthy of love. True friends are few and far between. I am a blessed individual to have someone so forgiving.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4773759223738&set=a.2781191770797.2120088.1288260156&type=3&theater
"Making a hundred friends is not a miracle. The miracle is to make a single friend who will stand by your side when hundred are against you." - Unknown
Monday, February 18, 2013
Confession 4 - Tortuous Twister
Mother Nature is nothing to mess with and something to fear. Hattiesburg has discovered her full force and unpredictability first hand. On Sunday, February 10, 2013, a mile wide EF-4 tornado swept through south Mississippi leaving much damage behind, especially in the Hattiesburg and Oak Grove areas.
The damage on the 75 mile path is extensive. Residents are amazed and grateful that no one was killed. It is estimated that a few hundred homes have been damaged and around a hundred injurers have been reported.
http://www.wdam.com/slideshow?widgetid=73457
Hattiesburg has became "home" for many students at USM, the city's major university. We were all distraught once we learned the extent of the damage at our wonderful school. Just hours after the tornado hit, students began organizing a clean up day to remove the debris that clutter the once beautiful campus. It was a huge turn out, attracting a massive group of students as well as other volunteers. At Southern Miss, we have learned to leave our school better than we found it. After all, all the love in our hearts belong to Southern Mississippi.
http://www.wdam.com/story/21191539/usm-students-clean-up-after-tornado
The city has been overwhelmed with the support of volunteers. Hattiesburg will rebuild better than ever.
The damage on the 75 mile path is extensive. Residents are amazed and grateful that no one was killed. It is estimated that a few hundred homes have been damaged and around a hundred injurers have been reported.
http://www.wdam.com/slideshow?widgetid=73457
Hattiesburg has became "home" for many students at USM, the city's major university. We were all distraught once we learned the extent of the damage at our wonderful school. Just hours after the tornado hit, students began organizing a clean up day to remove the debris that clutter the once beautiful campus. It was a huge turn out, attracting a massive group of students as well as other volunteers. At Southern Miss, we have learned to leave our school better than we found it. After all, all the love in our hearts belong to Southern Mississippi.
http://www.wdam.com/story/21191539/usm-students-clean-up-after-tornado
The city has been overwhelmed with the support of volunteers. Hattiesburg will rebuild better than ever.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Confession 3 - Mardi Gras
The entire deep South (emphasis on deep) seems completely fascinated by the Mardi Gras season. Don't get me wrong, I am all for it! I absolutely love nothing more than a big slice of King Cake. I was also intrigued by the Christian background of the holiday. The baby in the kind cake is symbolic of baby Jesus, our king (hence the name King Cake). Last year, I attended my first Mardi Gras parade in Mobile, Alabama. This year, not only was I in the Hattiesburg parade, but I will also enjoy the madness first hand in New Orleans.
I have began wondering if and how other parts of the world celebrate Mardi Gras, also known as Carnival Season. Sometimes, it seems that the holiday is isolated in the Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama area. I have learned, after research, that Mardi Gras began centuries ago as spring fertility rituals. In the later years, it became a Roman Catholic holiday before Lent. Brazil and Venice are among the list of famous Mardi Gras celebration sites.
The first American Mardi Gras was in Louisiana, which confirms the claims I have been told. Mardi Gras was even banned in New Orleans after the Spanish took control of the French settlement. It was once again celebrated when Louisiana was purchased by the United States. Mardi Gras is only legally a holiday in Louisiana. What a surprise since several schools and universities in Mississippi and Alabama release school to celebrate.
http://www.history.com/topics/mardi-gras
Venice, Italy is a well known Carnival Season attraction. The term Mardi Gras means the time before fasting. Carnival refers to the period of celebrations, a time of "letting go". In Venice, a lot of emphasis is put on masks. In 1608, a law was put in place which made it illegal to wear masks unless it was Mardi Gras.http://www.italyguides.it/us/venice_italy/venice_carnival/venice_carnival.htm
In true spirit of the season, I will gladly shout, "Throw me some beads, mister"this Mardi Gras.
Venice, Italy is a well known Carnival Season attraction. The term Mardi Gras means the time before fasting. Carnival refers to the period of celebrations, a time of "letting go". In Venice, a lot of emphasis is put on masks. In 1608, a law was put in place which made it illegal to wear masks unless it was Mardi Gras.http://www.italyguides.it/us/venice_italy/venice_carnival/venice_carnival.htm
In true spirit of the season, I will gladly shout, "Throw me some beads, mister"this Mardi Gras.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Confession 2 - Strength Within Us
In Alabama on Tuesday, January 29, a five year old boy was taken for hostage from his school bus after a 65 year old "survivalist" shot the driver during an altercation, according to NBC News.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/03/us/alabama-child-hostage
The survivalist, Jimmy Lee Dykes has kept the Asperger's Syndrome child http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health-aspergers-syndrome, Ethan, hostage for what is now going on five days. They are in Dyke's "bunker" (a large hole in the ground, somewhat like a shelter), which is equiped with electricity, tv, and supplies. Thankfully, FBI negotiators have been succesful in getting Ethan's medicine to him as well as crayons and a coloring book. The FBI is communicating with Dykes through a long PVC pipe.
What is so inspiring about this tragedy, is the upmost bravery of the bus driver, Charles Albert Poland, Jr. His two children described him in loving terms and described his love of his job and the children that were placed in his care on the rides to and from school. They said Poland saw the children as his own. In a terrifying moment, and one that took his life, Poland stood tall and attempted to save all the children from Dykes. While Dykes was successful in capturing Ethan, Poland lost his life but saved those of 21 other children.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/02/01/alabama-school-bus-hostage-showdown-enters-fourth-day
Can you imagine yourself being confident and brave for the lives of others? This man willingly sacrificed his life for the 22 children that he so very much adored. Poland is a hero and his death is not in vain.
Relating to this story is the current issue of gun control. How different could things have been if bus drivers were allowed to carry weapons for the safety of the little lives they are in charge of twice a day? What victory would it have been if little Ethan was with his family now enjoying a sunny Saturday because Poland was armed and able to defend himself and the other 22 precious lives on the bus?
Today, I encourage you to evaluate your ideas on this issue. Place yourself in the shoes of Ethan's family as well as Poland's. More importantly, keep these families in your thoughts.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/03/us/alabama-child-hostage
The survivalist, Jimmy Lee Dykes has kept the Asperger's Syndrome child http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health-aspergers-syndrome, Ethan, hostage for what is now going on five days. They are in Dyke's "bunker" (a large hole in the ground, somewhat like a shelter), which is equiped with electricity, tv, and supplies. Thankfully, FBI negotiators have been succesful in getting Ethan's medicine to him as well as crayons and a coloring book. The FBI is communicating with Dykes through a long PVC pipe.
What is so inspiring about this tragedy, is the upmost bravery of the bus driver, Charles Albert Poland, Jr. His two children described him in loving terms and described his love of his job and the children that were placed in his care on the rides to and from school. They said Poland saw the children as his own. In a terrifying moment, and one that took his life, Poland stood tall and attempted to save all the children from Dykes. While Dykes was successful in capturing Ethan, Poland lost his life but saved those of 21 other children.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/02/01/alabama-school-bus-hostage-showdown-enters-fourth-day
Can you imagine yourself being confident and brave for the lives of others? This man willingly sacrificed his life for the 22 children that he so very much adored. Poland is a hero and his death is not in vain.
Relating to this story is the current issue of gun control. How different could things have been if bus drivers were allowed to carry weapons for the safety of the little lives they are in charge of twice a day? What victory would it have been if little Ethan was with his family now enjoying a sunny Saturday because Poland was armed and able to defend himself and the other 22 precious lives on the bus?
Today, I encourage you to evaluate your ideas on this issue. Place yourself in the shoes of Ethan's family as well as Poland's. More importantly, keep these families in your thoughts.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Confession 1 - I am....
My name is full name is Helena Sharley Blaine Hamm, a name that is as diverse and complicated as I am. I am a first semester junior at the University of Southern Mississippi where I am majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Sociology http://www.usm.edu/. I recently studied abroad in Jamaica and had the time of my life. I am the public relations and alumnae communications chair for my sorority, Phi Mu http://www.phimu.org/Home. I am a full time student and part time receptionist at Village Salon. I grew up in a small town an hour north of Hattiesburg called Stringer, MS. After graduation, I hope to move to Tennessee and acquire my masters and then work in the music business. Hopefully, I will at some point meet the love of my life and have an obnoxiously southern wedding.
I knew I wanted to go into Public Relations after I competed in the Miss Hospitaltiy Pageant (I was the 2012 Miss Jasper County Hospitality winner) http://www.misshospitality.com/. I realized that promoting myself and working with others is something I really enjoy. Not to mention, I come from a family of local politicians and I am the daughter of natural salesman- both with outgoing personalities and big mouths.
I do my best to maintain a healthy lifestyle; meaning I occasionally work out and try to pass up fast food restaurants (with the exception of my weekly Chick-fil-a splurge), as well as spend time daily to read a devotion. I enjoy cooking and trying new foods. I am the definition of a neat freak and usually make my roommates miserable with my obsessive cleaning. I have always enjoyed the outdoors and grew up hunting and fishing. I also love to travel and experience new places. By the grace of God, I am feisty and aggressive. I know at times I am over bearing, but I take pride in being level headed and having the drive needed to achieve my goals.
SMTTT
I knew I wanted to go into Public Relations after I competed in the Miss Hospitaltiy Pageant (I was the 2012 Miss Jasper County Hospitality winner) http://www.misshospitality.com/. I realized that promoting myself and working with others is something I really enjoy. Not to mention, I come from a family of local politicians and I am the daughter of natural salesman- both with outgoing personalities and big mouths.
I do my best to maintain a healthy lifestyle; meaning I occasionally work out and try to pass up fast food restaurants (with the exception of my weekly Chick-fil-a splurge), as well as spend time daily to read a devotion. I enjoy cooking and trying new foods. I am the definition of a neat freak and usually make my roommates miserable with my obsessive cleaning. I have always enjoyed the outdoors and grew up hunting and fishing. I also love to travel and experience new places. By the grace of God, I am feisty and aggressive. I know at times I am over bearing, but I take pride in being level headed and having the drive needed to achieve my goals.
SMTTT
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