Citizen Journalism

As the book Blogging mentions, it has often been said that “freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one” (Liebling 1960) (Rettberg 84). That however, was before the time of blogs. As Jill Rettberg, the author of Blogging writes, “Bloggers have seen themselves as an alternative to mainstream media, and as a force that can reform and change the ways we conceive of media: today, anybody can own a press. Anybody can be the media” (108). Blogs now allow greater accessibility to a “press.” Anyone’s voice can be heard on the World Wide Web. Individuals can write about anything that interests them without the fear of gatekeeping. They do not have to worry about whether or not their topic will be published or edited or whether their comments will be screened. The blogger controls what he/she wants to put on his/her blog, while governments on the other hand, may try and control society’s accessibility to these blogs.

“There is no doubt that blogs have allowed people to share ideas and build resistance in non-democratic countries such as China and Iran, where censorship is heavy but blogs are able to slip through” (108). The notable blogger Yoani Sanchez can definitely be placed into this category of bloggers. Though she may not exactly be “building resistance,” she does indeed share her ideas with the world, even with those who do not have direct access to the web. Though the Cuban government has definitely tried to censor her blog, Generacion Y, she acknowledges that “the internet has a way of slipping through the fingers.” She says, “fortunately for us, technology evolves faster then censorship.” Sanchez has also come up with an idea to distribute her blog to Cubans who do not have access to the internet. She has formulated a minidisk, “a copy of [her] blog as it appears on the web without the option of posting comments.”

As Sanchez has found ways to get around Cuban censorship, she is able to voice her opinions on topics that are left out of mainstream Cuban media. She is able to cover controversial issues on her blog as it is her “press.” She takes advantage of this ownership by directing the information being published, which would not be possible outside of her blog. She is capable of sharing ideas and inciting what she calls “serious civil dialogue.” In Sanchez’s own words, “nothing becomes so attractive as what has been prohibited” and her blog allows her to do just that.

However, though blogs may be very insightful and useful, not all blogs carry the same quality of writing and information. Blogs are written from the perspective of one person (or maybe peoples), even though many may share this person’s point of view. These person’s views may range from an infantile understanding to that of an individual with a PhD, making it hard to filter for “right” and “wrong” opinions. Blogs can also be very biased which may or may not be a pitfall. Blogs however, may be more diverse and allow for greater discussion of alternative perspectives than journalism may provide (94).

Sanchez’s blog provides a good example as to why it may be problematic to rely solely on Generacion Y for information regarding Cuba. The opinions shared on her blog are hers only and may not reflect the thinking of every Cuban (and may not be entirely correct), though there may be similarities in thought. An outsider reading her blog to gather information on Cuba may be misled as her blog reflects her perspective and her point of view on certain issues may be skewed due to varying circumstances (though, it may not necessarily mean that she is wrong). In addition, Sanchez may not cover everything regarding Cuba. Some topics may be just as important but may not appeal to her preference and may be filtered out. Just because her blog is accessible to the world, does not mean that it should be a one-stop shop for information. Readers too, should make an effort to validate (or try to, as it may be hard to do so with opinions) what they are reading.

Black Friday Shopping

I'll be heading off to shop in a few minutes. UGH definitely not looking forward to this. Its so crowded on Black Friday and I think it's supposed to rain today. What a horrible combination. I think I'm heading to Soho because of the variety of stores so I hope I won't get too wet walking to and from them. I normally wouldn't go shopping on Black Friday but I'm looking for a coat and I'm broke so I'll have to compromise and go today. I hope I find something. I really liked the coat I bought last year but the size didn't fit well and I returned it and then decided not to get it.... and now I regret it =[

Well I guess this is a Before and I'll update this again later with an After.

So, Soho wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be. It was pretty much normal, like a weekend, maybe even a little less crowded then it is in the summer. I picked up a few items but I wasn't able to find a coat. Then I went to 34th and it was packed. Only checked H&M (as that was where I found the coat last year) and Macys. The rest of the stores there are pretty much in Soho too. Macys was ridiculously crowded. Made my way to the coats section, didn't see anything, and left asap. Train rides to and from the city were empty and got seats so that was great. Other than that, I guess I had a some what productive shopping day. =\ Did anyone else go black friday shopping?

Going Green

A few weeks ago I went on a little field trip with the ECO club (Environmental Cooperation Organization). We visited a store on 222 Bowery St. in lower Manhattan called Green Depot. It was founded in 2005 and its goal is mainly environmental living and building. Anyways, just thought I would mention the store because they do have some cool stuff thats also good for the environment and you... your pockets, not so much =[ It all depends on what you buy. Some items are pretty affordable especially since they are "green" products.

For example, they sell cleaning supplies developed by their own line. These suppplies are free of harsh chemicals and toxins, are plant derived and biodegradeable. The also come in reuseable 32oz. spray containers. What's great too is that they have this cleaning solution tap thing they invented, sort of like a beer tap/soda fountain. When you are finished with your products, you can bring the empty bottles back to the store and have them refilled. You also get a discounted price for refilling bottles rather than purchasing new ones.

Some of their pricier items may be air filtration sytems, which can run up to $500. The store sells all sorts of items ranging from counter tops to insulation for your walls (made from recycled denim). They have a whole wall of paint products from exterior to interior paint jobs. They also have some cool, fun items such as pencils made of recycled news paper (no more wood), tumblers/cups made from recycled wine/glass bottles, and wallets made from recycled materials. They also carry a whole line of baby products such as cribs, blankets, bottles, and clothing. You name it, they probably have it. And remember, everything is "green." They also try and sell items that focus on Air Quality, conservation, Local businesses, Energy, and Responsibility.

P.S. - my favorite item was their homemade soda maching thingy. it uses tap water and you hook it up to your sink or whatever. you need the tank of carbon dioxide (i think?) and it carbonates your water. you can add your own flavors or just go for seltzer. they also had a boxed set of little powder packets that are supposed to make your bottled water fizzy like soda. I also liked their fruit and vegetable sprays which should wash off pesticides etc. I might go back and get those because I can't find them anywhere else and i know it exists.

anyways, Check it out:

http://www.greendepot.com

My schedule sucks

So, I registered for classes yesterday and my schedule sucks. I was hoping to maybe do a two day schedule with 4 classes (i mean i am already taking 4 classses in one day this term with a total of 6 classses). Well anyways, of course there aren't many sections for Real Estate classes and I just wasn't able to come up with a schedule that I wanted. So I am now taking 3 RES classes M/W from 4pm - 9pm.... that is so ridiculously late. And then there is a 1 hr train ride home. On t/th I only have one classes 10:45 - 12 which is not that bad but Its such a waste to come in for just one class. I wanted to find an internship during the spring and it will suck if I have to work during the day on M/W and then do school until 9 pm.... Oh and RES classes are really boring.

What's even more annoying is that when I check open sections for Finance or Accounting classes etc, a HUGE list of choices comes up. But when I go to RES.... half of the courses only have ONE section. Thats how I got stuck with a 7-9pm class, the most critical class that I needed (which is also a pre-req. for my other major classes) only has one section at that time. =[ I also have to stay indoors until after the sunsets in the Spring =[

ok, well anyways, just wanted to complain about my schedule. I'm sure other people are also in similar situations.

Best Buddies

So, I hate when I tell people that I am in a club called Best Buddies, everyone starts laughing and says something stupid. And then after I explain what it is, they don't have anything to say.

So anyways, Best Buddies is an international non-profit that helps to build one-to-one friendships with people living with intellectual disabilities. This program is in 42 countries and 6 continents. It was started by Anthony Kennedy Shriver (Eunice Kennedy Shriver's son) in 1989.

http://www.bestbuddies.org/best-buddies

Some of the programs are Best Buddies Colleges, High schools, middle schools, jobs, and e-buddies. Baruch College is part of Best Buddies Colleges and college students who join are paired with a buddy. There are some basic requirements and most people seem to be thrown off when they hear them, but they really aren't that bad. When you are paired up with a buddy, you mainly want to become their friend and do things that friends normally do. Call them maybe 2 or 3 times a week and hangout with them at least 2x a month. We also know that everyone at Baruch seems to be really busy so we hold one Chapter Event a month during club hours on Thursday where everyone, college buddies and the buddies get together. We count this event as 1 of the 2 times for meeting up so technically it's only 1 other time outside of school. And you can meet up to do anything. Like I said, you're trying to build a normal friendship so you can do whatever you would normally do with your other friends such as shopping, a walk in the park, movies, or just getting coffee.

So, as much as this may sound like you are trying to make a difference in these individual's lives, they really are impacting yours. I mean, when we see such individuals on the street we normally try and stay away or don't want to be bothered etc. But when you actually get to talk and listen to them, you see a little bit into their world. You can see how the littlest things that wouldn't mean much to others (such as a phone call or a birthday card), just brighten their day. Well, I hope I've been able to tell at least a few of you a little bit more about this club. You can find us on Facebook: Best Buddies Baruch with pictures of previous events if interested.

I guess I'll start with me.

Hi everyone,

I'm a 20 years old Junior majoring in Real Estate Development and minoring in Sociology. I dislike business. I have found all the classes I've taken at Baruch so far to be boring and uninteresting. I've only really enjoyed my Sociology classes. I would've rather majored in Religion and Cultures but didn't see a very great future in that. After I graduate I hope to have a short career in Business and eventually move into Non-profit work. Oh, and if you haven't noticed already, I am pretty boring (at least this blog will be).

I enjoy crocheting and knitting, rollerblading, reading books that I want to read, cooking and baking (or trying to), arts and crafts (i guess), recycling and finding a new use for old things, and volunteering. I enjoy learning about different Religions but am not very religious. I am Treasurer of a club called Best Buddies at Baruch and I wish more people knew about it (I'll be dedicating a whole post to this eventually to hopefully spread the word). I dislike writing about myself and have always dreaded assignments that required me to do so. I also really dislike school. I love the show/series Stargate and think other people would too if they gave it a chance. I didn't like the original movie though. And just because I like the show does not mean I am a huge sci fi fan.

And since this is all I can think of right now, I will put an end to this boring rant and save you all from misery.

~eL