Tweet Much?

“In some respects, the reaction of the tweeters is irresponsible, but the authorities have to understand that this is the world we live in and people are going to say these things.”

I think this quote mentioned on the article summarizes my complete opinion on this particular issue. But then again, is it necessary to post every thought that crosses your mind on a network site? WHO THE *F CARES! I think people are going a little too far on this Facebook and Twitter thing. I don’t care to know when you got out of the shower, the weather report, or how loud the person in front of you is chewing their gum. Seriously, is it REALLY that necessary? People these days are taking advantage of our right of speech and I believe, to a certain extent, abusing the freedom given to us by the First Amendment. In all honesty, Twitter is a little bit annoying…The fact that all you can do is post 140 characters of a “status” which (in a way) I’m kind of glad it’s designed that way (unlike facebook); which allows you to write essays for a status!

or Stalk me. WHATEVER. it's all the same.

I think it’s getting a little out of control how people have thousands of followers whom they have absolutely zero recognition on & still, allow these [strangers] to have access to everything you are saying (where you are, how you feel, who you’re with). It’s very sad the kind of attention we seek to get out all these things. We have come to the era of “how many comments can I get with this status or I have 30 picture comments on this one”… We are fighting for attention; to a certain extent even COMPETING & BEGGING for it. It has become an overload of people all craving for the same thing; network popularity. We are all familiarized with this adorable little whale, however, not everyone is very fond of it (and at times, we become VERY aggravated during its grand appearance from time to time), since it does mean Twitter is at over-capacity. I can’t imagine the degree of “capacity” for which it talks about. But how far will we go? It’s only normal that if we write something offensive such as blowing up an airport, will cause a fuss. Does that violate our constitutional right to say whatever we feel? Absolutely. Think about being in an airport and someone screaming that they are going to blow up it…then they laugh? PSYCHOTIC. RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! In your mind, you are going to want this crazy person to rot in jail for saying something like this. You have to learn when to say something and when to keep your mouth shut. As a human being, you have to be able to differentiate between whats “okay” to say and what is simply out of question and down right crossing the line. Somehow, we have lost sight of what it’s like to keep our lives personal. As individuals, we have to learn where to draw the line and say, “okay, this is too much. I don’t think this is appropriate to publicize.” PEOPLE!! Honestly, NOT EVERYTHING that happens in your life needs to become some sort of status. We have to stop putting all our thoughts and personal feelings out there for the world to see and start living a more [private] life. Your business is YOURS to keep, not to be shared with all 550 followers.

Life in the Gables

I have always loved Coral Gables. Everything from shopping, restaurants, to living; it is exceptional! I live on Madeira, which is about 3 blocks from Miracle Mile, the heart of Coral Gables. The neighborhood is quiet and my morning drives are very relaxing as I cruise through Ponce de Leon and into Miracle Mile (en route) to school. It’s always breezy in the Gables…Could be because of the vast amount of trees every inch of the street, or perhaps just the quiet, old-town feeling you get. The architecture all throughout Coral Gables is Spanish-inspired. The houses, apartments, stores, everything about it has it’s own style; it’s personal style.

take a stroll through consumer wonderland

The best part about living in the Gables is that you have everything that you need a short distance. You can find stores, restaurants, vets, fast food places, Starbucks, etc. I found that EVERYBLOCK.COM was extremely helpful in the sense that it helps you break down the best places to visit and you can read reviews from people just like you. Most of the reviews were very high, but that's because most places in the Gables set a high-standard for themselves, so it was not surprising at all to find that most of them had 4 to 5 stars.

Parked far? No need to walk! You can find our convenient Coral Gables Trolley bus almost everywhere! It is amazing because it can take you from St. Martin’s Pub on Miracle Mile to Village of Merrick Park in just minutes, without having to walk or move your car. In the mood for some sight-seeing or perhaps brunch with your close friends/spouse over a few mimosa’s? NO PROBLEM! Just around the block, over a few mansions and beautiful sights, you will find The Biltmore Hotel. Famous for its history and elegance…Surrounded by 150 acres of lush and tropical landscape, the Biltmore Hotel is one of the most sought-after places where one can relax, enjoy and make the most of the day with whatever they wish to do.

So you see, my neighborhood is phenomenal. It’s got history, style, class and convenience; it can’t get any better than that!

A Gables Affair

As a journalist, I see things that maybe others might not. I read into details more than the average person and question everything around me. It’s safe to say that we, writers, are curious individuals with the need to take control of every situation that might arise. We are born detectives, certainly far more creative than regular people…And we are the voice of truth within the walls of this world.

VERA WANG

But what is TRUTH? Truth is [over-rated] now-a-days. Truth in the 21st century leads us to question our ideals, beliefs; our own personal knowledge. What is truth and who is real? We may never really know, but we can always learn through our mistakes and mis-judgements and figure out the shady realm of things.
Let me give you a bit of truth about Coral Gables, the home-land of wealth & happy brides! Our local paper is called the "Coral Gables Gazette." It gives us an insight of all the restaurants in the area, the best ones, specials going on, events happening around the Gables, etc. It's a great paper to pick up if you are a local, most especially now, during election season, where you can view the different politicians running and the latest news in town (may it be good or bad), it's always great to be informed! If I were to be a writer for the Coral Gables Gazette, I would take care of events & weddings.

Tiffany's

It is always wedding season in Coral Gables! Every woman dreams of her wedding day and it is never too early to start planning! I am 23 years old with no intention of getting married any time soon, but I already know what my dream wedding dress looks like, what church I would love to tie the knot in, and what kind of ring I like. The Gazette also offers different varieties of venues (with their style of food), so it's much easier for brides in the planning process to pick & choose as they read along. My section of the paper would be called “SOMETHING BLUE.” Something Blue would be the place where all our beautiful brides and dreamers could visit and take notes (may it be for now or to save for later). I’ve always had a passion for weddings and event planning and it would be a real treat to inspire all our lucky brides out there and relieve them (if for a moment) of the stress that comes with getting engaged. My section of the paper would include local churches and venues (from the lush & luxurious to the fancy but economic).

The Biltmore Hotel

There is a place for every bride and every woman deserves her dream wedding (even when we are on a tight budget). The Biltmore Hotel, although pricey, is a rich and historic place where one could wine and dine and feel catered to at all times (every time). It is the perfect place to hold a wedding reception, not only for its beauty, but also for its scenic views and delicious menu! Right across The Biltmore, we find the Coral Gables Congregational Church, also one of my favorite places to wed in (not that I’ve ever been married)… It is meant for a small guest list and has that beautiful Old-Spanish architecture which could make any picture be THE RIGHT picture! I love it for its size and the beautiful surrounding views it hold. There is so much history in that one strip, you can never say too much of it! I would include a small area dedicated to all the grooms & brides of that particular month which are to wed. These brides can write to me on our online section and each month, we pick one lucky bride (who have submitted their favorite wedding photograph) and it can be posted on our section in the paper as (for example) “Our November Bride.” I think this would be a great way to engage our readers and have them participate and read up constantly for ideas, winners, mental notes, among other things. I believe a Bridal Section in the paper will make a difference, for every girl dreams of becoming a bride… someday.

Penny meets Poe

What is fiction? And who is to say that something fictional cannot have some partial truth in it? Edgar Allan Poe is considered one, if not, THE best and most influential American writer/author of all time. Poe is a legend and well-known for his fictional plots and mystery stories, which he so very well managed to captivate us with. There was something absolutely sensational about his works and at that time, one had to stand out to be known, something Poe never had a problem with. During the time of the 1830’s and well into the 1840’s, the United States of America was experiencing a flow of newspapers which were being sold for an extremely low cost (hence the term, “The Penny Press”). These particular newspapers, unlike all the others, were highly recognized and quite frankly, grew popular at a rapid pace for their fierce and straight-forward style of writing. .
These articles were based more on the “internal” happenings, per-say, things that were going on locally rather than internationally. Issues were being attacked in local towns; things that were over-looked before, are now being interrogated with an eye of suspicion. The Penny Press became a revolutionary source thanks to their growing number of journalists using the form of sensational views to provide their local community with the latest political and current issues, as well as sports coverage.

VIVA LA VERVE

“I’ll take you down the only road I’ve ever been down…
You know, the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet”
The place which he refers to in this, I am not too sure of, thus, everyone has it’s own theory of it… I personally think it’s kind of dirty and I like it. But that’s the beauty of music, someone else might like it for something completely different and give it a whole new meaning. Although thoughts might differ as to how each individual interprets a song, one thing is clear, The Verve can rock the crowd, any day in whichever way. This band has brought hundreds of thousands of people from all around the globe together for the same cause; to listen, feel, and breathe the music.

Feel the music; live the moment. Verve.

You can see the reaction in faces of total strangers, it’s as if they have come together and found themselves believing in the same thing. I noticed several flags from other countries as well, I feel like they are representing all the different kinds of cultures present. To me, it stands for the simple fact that rock is not for one specific generation or culture; it is for everyone who is opened to listening to it, heart wide open.

I loved watching the video, the vibe of the crowd made me feel a part of the event. My favorite part was the very beginning, where they started to play “Bittersweet Symphony”, which originally, had been their very first hit-single. The large crowd of people (from all ages) cheered and clapped together all at the same time; everyone enjoying themselves, feeling the music; vibin’ to it. This video clip really shows you how people can come together for the same purpose and how souls can unite for the love of one thing and one thing only; ROCK & ROLL.

Where do we draw the line?

As journalists, we have to assure ourselves that of which we write about, seek and report the truth, but at the same token, we must not harm the wellness of our readers by any means, whether it may be emotionally or psychologically. Of course, part of that, we cannot control…For what might be right for us, might not be to someone else. However, we must be considerate of the “average person” and realize that the words we choose to write, the pictures we choose to show, and the ideas, facts, and opinions we choose to share will forever be written; once it’s out, there is NO turning back.

Just last friday, Professor Richards asked us to brainstorm & blog about a hypothetical situation: What decision would we make (as journalists) should we have been working at a newspaper and had to cover a horrific school shooting. Here is the twist, though…What would you do if the photographer provided you with graphic photos of the scene of the crime?

Personally, as a journalist, I would take a good look at the picture, if it is absolutely and horrifically gory, I would put myself in the shoes of that little child’s family member…Would I want to see a picture of my child lying dead on the school ground’s covered in blood, shot to death by a raging stranger? ABSOLUTELY NOT! As a reporter, yes, write the full story, detail it as best you can; a good writer can create an even bigger and better image than that of which one picture might show. As a reporter, one MUST seek truth despite how tragic or devastating the story might be to the public; it is the REAL DEAL, my friends…A good reporter never sugar-coats their stories. However, as a human being, you have to be considerate of what you put in there. There is no changing the story, it is what it is… But you do have the choice of what photograph you want to reveal to the public. I believe that a good title can be just as captivating to the public-eye just as a photograph could. If you have the correct resources and plot out your story in a timely, professional, and interesting manner, you will sell out on all shelves in no time. I believe a picture can be worth a thousand words, but a thousand words, can create a thousand pictures in your head.

The Naked Truth

what is your truth?

“The Stigma Stops With Me” tells the story of Damaries “Dee” Cruz and her battle against the incurable disease of AIDS. It shows how she copes with the negativity amongst her peers, but continues to stay strong and [literally] POSITIVE. So how do you maintain positive while testing positive for HIV/AIDS? During this documentary, Dee explains how her life has changed drastically; how everything changed from one moment to the next. How someone who made her believe he loved her, left Dee with something she will have to live with for the rest of her life. This story is very inspiring because it makes you realize that even when things go really bad, there is still room for hope, room for love, and most importantly, there will always be room for happiness. But how do you maintain happiness and seek light in a state of inner darkness? Damaries conveys a very important message in this particular documentary; she makes us all aware of how easy it is to get this sexually transmitted disease. It is so easy to get tested and there is no reason why you should be afraid to do so… It is always better to know the truth. So before you get naked, find your truth; the NAKED truth.

Talking Positive

HIV.
short. to the point. scary as hell. It’s shocking to me how many people have it, some of which you have the least bit of clue. But that’s the issue…It’s very hard to be open about it, to the point where one can sometimes be in denial. I personally know someone who unfortunately, is infected with this incurable disease. He is a homosexual and at the time, was very promiscuous… I would always play around with him and tell him that if he doesn’t stop sleeping around, he is going to contract HIV and sure enough, one day he slept with the wrong dude and tested positive. It was all a blur for him; unimaginable… “How could this happen to me, Olivia? I don’t deserve this” he would say to me in tears. ‘Till this day, he is unaware of who it was and it makes me sad because that person is going around having unprotected sex without telling anyone he has HIV. He is spreading the disease like a pre-school child with the flu; carelessly and without cause.

Professor Richards, from my Intro to Journalism class showed us a very informative video yesterday pertaining to research done on this particular STD. Although I was already familiar with the seriousness of it, I somehow became more aware. Did you know that Florida (alone) ranks the 3rd leading statistical state of people infected with HIV? OUR Florida, our home! That scares me more than you can ever imagine…For all you know, your friend might have it and you’re sharing drinks and clothes and what not… No, you cannot get it through saliva BUT should you have an open cut and your friend’s blood happens to somehow get in there, you are in SERIOUS trouble.

I have a ton of respect for my HIV-infected friend… He is very open about it. He has been featured in different tv shows and magazines discussing what it’s like to live with it and advising the rest of us to be more careful; sharing his story. I would encourage everyone to get tested, although it’s scary because to a certain extent “ignorance is bliss”, however, it is important to stay healthy and to know your body in and out. “Hay que luchar por vivir.”
All in all, you have to find a balance within yourself. You are the only person who can surround yourself with happiness and it is up to YOU to find that peaceful, untouchable place inside of you where NO ONE can love you more than you can love yourself.

All the President’s Men.

THE WOODSTEIN STORY.

The last thing on Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward’s mind was that their story and names would come down in History through Generations of Generations… Their heroic contribution to Journalism has created inspiration within us all. “Woodstein”, as the dynamic duo were often referred to by, investigated the first watergate break and created quite the scandal on the Washington Post. They revealed the deep and dark secret’s behind Nixon and his infamous tapes. Bernstein and Woodward delivered; they seeked the truth and personally, i feel like there was absolutely no violation of the SPJ Code of Ethics. Those two were unstoppable and with the help of their secret source, “Deep Throat” (whose identity was kept in secret for over thirty years), the duo gave to us the single, greatest reporting effort of all time. One which will go on as one, if not, THE greatest story in Journalism History!

Muckraking

SCANDAL. Is it in you?

Muckracking; a term created by President Teddy Roosevelt in the very early 1900’s describing a person (reporter/writer) who not only investigates, but also publishes reports of truthful information revolving around important issues such as corruption (may it be governmental or social), all sorts of crime, important political leaders, etc.

Muckraking played a grand role in the reform of journalism and the impact that news media had on American history. Lincoln Steffens was the first “muckraker” who became infamous for his numerous ivestigations of the Government and some of the largest and most popular cities in the U.S such as NYC, Philadelphia, Chicago, among a few others. Steffens wasn’t the only one who worked hard to uncover the truth about our very corrupted government; we also had Ida Tarbell, Upton Sincalir, S.S McClure, and David G. Phillips, whose contributions of honesty and great investigative work opened the gates to an era of a journalistic revolution.

I believe their hard work and dedication make them exceptional journalists through exposing the truth behind the lies and corruption of the United States Government.