Saturday, June 29, 2013
Blue Team: A promising step towards human equality
By Hannah Roemer, Blue Team
On June 26, the Supreme Court made history when it demanded recognition of same-sex marriages in states where it is legal and overturned California’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage.
These new legislations marked the start of a bright future for the gay community. More than 1,100 federal rights will be granted to gay couples married in states that recognize their unity.
But this promising progress is marred by the rest of the nation’s resistance to the oncoming changes. A majority of the states remain unmoved by the Supreme Court’s new rulings and gay couples wishing to relocate to unsympathetic states will not receive the same benefit as heterosexual couples.
In the past, being considered homosexual was an insult and to practice it meant instant social exclusion. But in this day and age, individuals can declare their preference in partner without fear of shame or rejection. Despite this new conception of gay people, gay marriage is still firmly condemned in most parts of the country.
Although the U.S. has a clear separation of church and state, religion seems to play a key role in the continuation of prohibited gay rights. But by condemning same-sex marriages, the church only helps make a martyr of the gay community. Instead of rebuking the cause, they could sort through the issue with love and respect, therefore promoting their own beliefs.
Contrary to popular belief, Americans would actually benefit economically if same-sex marriage was legalized. There are approximately 9 million gay people in the United States. Marriage and divorce industries would have a drastic increase in clientele if these people were allowed to wed.
Thirty states remain hostile toward the legalization of gay marriage, but the only realistic argument against it is a matter of moral opinion. People should not be denied the right to marry a loved one because of someone else’s moral obligation. The Supreme Court’s ruling is a promising step towards human equality but for now the closet is firmly closed.
Blue Team: Needed change on climate change
By Whitney Wright, Blue Team
Change is coming on the issue of climate change.
In President Obama’s second inaugural speech, he promised
that he will do more regarding the issue of climate change. Climate
change is a lasting disruption of weather patterns caused by types of pollution such as carbon monoxide released from fossil fuels.
In Jacksonville and other coastal areas, the sea level is rising. Ice from the glaciers melting causes the levels to become higher
than usual. Way higher than usual!
It’s an issue we
as a nation are facing, epically for the upcoming generation. Obama said “ I
refuse to condemn your generation and future generations to a planet that’s beyond fixing.” From this step
forward, he plans on keeping his word and taking action to this issue.
“As a president, as a father, as an American, I’m here to say we need to act.” Obama stood tall as
he spoke to an audience at Georgetown University as he talked about his plans on how we’re facing the issue of climate change. He plans on taking immediate action by taking care of the controls over the existing and new power plants that produce carbon dioxide.
Obama listed the
United States as a leading country that
will help in the advances and solutions on what we can do to help clean and clear our earth and prevent
more damage from happening. Challenges Obama will face is limits on power plants will be
faced in court and as well as the process of carrying out the plan itself.
We could all
help in the change by doing the simplest things such as limiting the use of our resources. Later we will all
be thankful for trying to contribute to stopping the madness we’re all facing.
Together we can
all help and support in the change on climate change.
The New Camaraderie Within Journalism (Red team)
By Anika Henager and Gianna Doxey
Speakers ranging from students and professors to Dean Diane McFarlin encouraged a sense of enterprise for multimedia communication.
As two aspiring telecommunications majors, we liked how they showed the technical aspects and wide reaching impact of each form of media.
We explored the one-year-old , state-of-the-art Innovation News Center discovering there are more communication outlets to reporting. We learned from Student Experiences Coordinator Renee Gork “It’s no longer a set track of Print, Radio, or Television.”
All three mediums are connected through digital media advancements.
“The mastery of audio, imagery and the written word all intertwine to become the ultimate multimedia journalist,” she said.
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| Two budding telecomunication journalists. |
Furthermore, he informed us of the true duty of all Telecommunication majors of all concentrations: to come together to produce a final product for the good of informing the American people.
It was a learning smorgasbord for us throughout the program. We love the UF College of Journalism and Communications.
Blue Team: Gay marriage means equal rights for all
By Amber Woodard, Blue Team
The Supreme Court decisions on gay marriage this week are positive steps as public opinion moves towards the idea of same-sex couples getting married.
Though the battle for same-sex marriage has been going on for years, Congress has been fighting to keep gay marriage illegal. Despite the actions of Congress, 13 states, such as Iowa and Rhode Island, have passed laws allowing same-sex couples to marry. It would also give them the same benefits of married couple.
Congress has made arguments like gay marriage ruins the institution of marriage. Congress fears that if gay marriage becomes legal in the U.S. that it would encourage other countries to also allow same-sex marriage.
The public is leaning towards the idea of same-sex marriage. It seems more people are coming out and admitting they are gay.
The Congress is about equal rights for citizens of the U.S. Citizens in the country are gay but are treated unequal for the people the people they want to be with.
The thought of marriage between same sex couples is growing in the eye of the public. So Congress’s views should grow as well and allow gay marriage.
Blue Team: Don't sweat Obama's climate change plan
By Yvonne Bertovich, Blue Team
Attempting to come across as a
superhuman force, the valiant chief executive of the USA is back, this time in
a short-lived and aggressive battle against the entity of climate change, whose
utter existence is still debatable. Despite
the support from scientists and Earth-enthusiasts, however, President Obama is
still sweating.
Such
perspiration is stemming from perhaps a variety of sources, and no, not any of
them are truly reflective of a heating planet.
The president delivered his latest plan of action to save Mother Earth and “future generations” in the heat of June, in the middle of the day. The reason why Obama had to remove his suit jacket was not due climate change, it’s something called summer. It’s something called the sun. These two notions are actually conceptually and scientifically backed, and have been for hundreds if not thousands of years.
Perhaps somewhere, beneath the unwavering exterior and the “before it’s too late” battle cry, Obama is sweating because he is fearful of opposition. Perhaps he is fearful of actually having to react to opposition.
He claims that, “I refuse to condemn your generation and future generations to a planet that’s beyond fixing,” which sounds incredibly noble albeit incredibly vague as well.
Such condemnation, according to Obama, is the continuation of coal-powered facilities and affiliations, as well as carbon pollution. However, such leaps, especially when preached by someone who has incredible power yet little real scientific education; there is an awful lot of artful speculation.
The speculation continues in terms of the Keystone XL and the nation’s need for oil, not to mention a growing wish to avoid entangling foreign dependencies. Obama in stating, “Our national interest would be served only if this project does not significantly exacerbate the problem of carbon pollution,” he is essentially suggesting that we won’t know the results unless we try, but the thing is, something will come up and we never will try. If Obama really wanted the Keystone XL to be put in place, it would have happened already.
He is calling for sweeping steps and reforms to revolutionize power and production in this country, yet we barely have the resources to support current needs.
In regards to climate change as whole, how does Obama know, or how do Obama’s sources know that global heat isn’t cyclical? Some scientists claim that these are the hottest temperatures and most extreme weather occurrences in 100 years. What about what happened 101 years ago, or before records?
Scientifically backed or not, environmentally sound or not, superhero Obama’s latest battle against climate change and attempt to save everyone and their mother and their Mother Earth has already been brushed aside for his random visit to Africa. Hopefully, for the President’s sake, it’s a bit cooler there.
Like any real results coming out of this recent push against coal and carbon, and demands for cleaner, incredibly expensive energy, it’s highly doubtful.
The Importance of Radio News -- Yellow Team
Saturday June 29th, 2013, students from all over the state flocked to the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida to experience the Summer Journalism Visitation Program.
Students heard from different speakers who either attended or are still attending the university and are enrolled in the UF College of Journalism and Communications.
Two of the speakers included the hosts from Noticias WUFT FM, a Spanish-speaking radio show. The two girls explained that it was a blast to help create the show, but it was also a long and hard process. They also said that it was tough to try and translate the news from Spanish to English. After talking about the radio, it was onto other subjects, and social media was a big one.
“I really liked the diverse topics that the speakers had brought up. I especially liked the social media part of it,” Shannon Bowker, 17, said.
One of the speakers included Andy Selapak, who discussed social media with participants. He started out with everyone standing up after a long hour of listening to other speakers and had everyone take out their phones, if they owned one. After that he went onto explain that the smartphone is the best asset news reporters possess. He also went on to show how student journalists could use social media to their advantage.
“Twitter is a great way to break news,” Selapak clarified. “Collect news, share the news, and learn from it.”
All in all, students really enjoyed the SJVP and hope to come back next year for another day of learning all about multimedia.
Blue team: The journey to legalize love
By Dana Molk, Blue Team
In efforts to legalize love, regardless of sexual orientation, the Supreme Court has made a major decision allowing gay couples around the nation the rights they deserve.
After much debate and scrutiny over laws regarding gay marriage, the Supreme Court, with a vote of 5-4, shot down the Defense of Marriage Act therefore granting more privileges to gay couples. DOMA, as it is commonly referred to, restricted gay couples from veteran partner benefits, joint income tax filing, as well as many other rights all straight couples are entitled to.
Following DOMA’s downfall, both gay and straight people across the nation rejoiced over the Supreme Court’s ruling. Little did they know only more good news was headed their way.
Proposition 8, an amendment banning gay couples to wed in the state of California, was ruled as unconstitutional the same day.
Although the demise of DOMA and Prop 8 is monumental, there is still much more work to be done concerning equality in our country. As of now, gay marriage is only recognized in 13 states. Those in opposition to same-sex marriages argue that it violates their religion and that it affects children who are raised by gay parents.
The former is perhaps a whole other issue within itself. Despite being a country that ensures freedom of religion and prides itself as being the land of the free, the United States is indeed a secular country. The government does not endorse any particular religion.
With that in mind, it is not appropriate to mix the rights of citizens with one’s religious views. They are two different issues and religion should not justify the rights couples receive.
The creation and nurturing of children also concerns those against marriage equality. If the purpose of marriage is to bare children, than theoretically people over the age of 65 should not be married. Statistically and physically it is near impossible for a woman of that age to get pregnant. Yet society celebrates their union.
Others believe the purpose of marriage is to raise a child in a home where they are exposed to both a male and female guardian. However there are many single parents who raise successful children. Gay marriage does not harm any citizen in the United States.
A few months ago, the state of Colorado deemed the use of marijuana legal. Marijuana produces a euphoria that may entail anxiety, fear, distrust or panic and can become dangerous. Yet gay marriage, an issue that is anything but dangerous, is still illegal there.
Love is love whether you are gay or straight. Times are changing and the definition of marriage is too. No longer should states strictly limit a marriage between a man and a woman.
Shooting down DOMA and Prop 8’s unjust demands is a step in the right direction. The journey to legalize love is looking bright for the United States.
In efforts to legalize love, regardless of sexual orientation, the Supreme Court has made a major decision allowing gay couples around the nation the rights they deserve.
After much debate and scrutiny over laws regarding gay marriage, the Supreme Court, with a vote of 5-4, shot down the Defense of Marriage Act therefore granting more privileges to gay couples. DOMA, as it is commonly referred to, restricted gay couples from veteran partner benefits, joint income tax filing, as well as many other rights all straight couples are entitled to.
Following DOMA’s downfall, both gay and straight people across the nation rejoiced over the Supreme Court’s ruling. Little did they know only more good news was headed their way.
Proposition 8, an amendment banning gay couples to wed in the state of California, was ruled as unconstitutional the same day.
Although the demise of DOMA and Prop 8 is monumental, there is still much more work to be done concerning equality in our country. As of now, gay marriage is only recognized in 13 states. Those in opposition to same-sex marriages argue that it violates their religion and that it affects children who are raised by gay parents.
The former is perhaps a whole other issue within itself. Despite being a country that ensures freedom of religion and prides itself as being the land of the free, the United States is indeed a secular country. The government does not endorse any particular religion.
With that in mind, it is not appropriate to mix the rights of citizens with one’s religious views. They are two different issues and religion should not justify the rights couples receive.
The creation and nurturing of children also concerns those against marriage equality. If the purpose of marriage is to bare children, than theoretically people over the age of 65 should not be married. Statistically and physically it is near impossible for a woman of that age to get pregnant. Yet society celebrates their union.
Others believe the purpose of marriage is to raise a child in a home where they are exposed to both a male and female guardian. However there are many single parents who raise successful children. Gay marriage does not harm any citizen in the United States.
A few months ago, the state of Colorado deemed the use of marijuana legal. Marijuana produces a euphoria that may entail anxiety, fear, distrust or panic and can become dangerous. Yet gay marriage, an issue that is anything but dangerous, is still illegal there.
Love is love whether you are gay or straight. Times are changing and the definition of marriage is too. No longer should states strictly limit a marriage between a man and a woman.
Shooting down DOMA and Prop 8’s unjust demands is a step in the right direction. The journey to legalize love is looking bright for the United States.
Blue team: Immigrants not from outer space
By Cassidy
Whitaker, Blue Team
The prospect of the path to
citizenship for immigrants became a bit brighter this past week.
With large support of the
Senate, legislation was created that would give citizenship to the estimated 11
million undocumented immigrants and prevent devastating deportation that breaks
up these millions of families. The next battle: the House’s vote on this issue.
The bill passed with a vote
of 68-32, demonstrating the strong support and hope Americans have for a
bright, diverse future in our country. The House needs to recognize that our
times are changing right before our eyes, and this country is ready to enforce
these changes.
Legalizing the millions of
immigrants that are virtually in the shadows will put these millions of people on
our companies’ payrolls, therefore ensuring that they pay taxes. With the ample
amount of tax dollars our government will be receiving, a stronger, more stable
economy will develop.
If 11 billion people that
were basically in the shadows until now become accounted for in our country,
becoming active, tax paying, law-abiding citizens, the hope is that the
creation of jobs will flourish. These people that were once illegal, but are
now active and accounted for, will be inspired to create business and
contribute to the betterment and growth of our economy.
The counter-argument to this
issue is that our current border security is weak and needs to be strengthened.
Our borders do need to be strengthened,
not to prevent people from coming into our country, but to create a coherent,
organized system for people from other countries to be able to easily gain
citizenship in this great nation.
The bottom line is that we
are talking about people. Actual, living, breathing, soul-bearing people. We
are not dealing with animals or extra-terrestrials, just people.
“Too often we
speak of 'The Illegals' as if they were not actually human, or comprised of
actual human beings, but rather a nameless, faceless group of people who are
anonymous to us.” This quote is from a man named Jim from Arizona, who
commented on an article from the New York Times about the Senate’s pass for
immigration reform.
This quote speaks louder than any vote from the House or
the Senate about what is truly at stake.
A Day of Change: Participation in the Summer Journalism Visitation Program changed one Gator’s life forever -- Red Team
By: Kiely Huynh and Michele Kuhn
For Samrenee Green, a junior at the University of Florida, life was changed significantly when she participated in the Summer Journalism Visitation Program.
Her high school career began in a magnet program for engineering at Blanche Ely High School. This involvement in engineering led Samrenee to enter the University of Florida as an Engineering major.
Although she was in the engineering magnet program, Samrenee was a participant of SJVP in her junior and senior years of high school. She also was involved in the Florida Scholastic Press Association beginning in her freshman year, and was a part of the Student Television Network during her junior and senior years.
The experience of SJVP and her love of television production weighed heavily enough on her mind to convince her to change her major. Both her experience as a participant in SJVP and her involvement as a volunteer in her first year of college ultimately pushed her to become a telecommunications major in her sophomore year.
Samrenee is going into her third year as a telecommunications major on the production track. She has a concentration in digital arts and exhibits her scholastic diversity in her Japanese minor, which may offer opportunities to broaden her horizons.
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| Telecommunications and production major Samrenee Green works as a student assistant at SJVP. |
Her high school career began in a magnet program for engineering at Blanche Ely High School. This involvement in engineering led Samrenee to enter the University of Florida as an Engineering major.
Although she was in the engineering magnet program, Samrenee was a participant of SJVP in her junior and senior years of high school. She also was involved in the Florida Scholastic Press Association beginning in her freshman year, and was a part of the Student Television Network during her junior and senior years.
The experience of SJVP and her love of television production weighed heavily enough on her mind to convince her to change her major. Both her experience as a participant in SJVP and her involvement as a volunteer in her first year of college ultimately pushed her to become a telecommunications major in her sophomore year.
Samrenee is going into her third year as a telecommunications major on the production track. She has a concentration in digital arts and exhibits her scholastic diversity in her Japanese minor, which may offer opportunities to broaden her horizons.
She will begin her position as chief editor of WUFT-TV in the fall semester after working her way up in the WUFT-TV lab. Samrenee will be in charge of editing clips that come from major news stations, such as NBC and ABC.
Samrenee said she is grateful for the experience of working with students and professors across all areas of journalism. Sometimes classes and teacher might be difficult, but Samrenee says you just have to grin and bear it. This experience has made her able to work in various fields, including radio and television, even though she is a telecommunication major.
“You have to try everything- all the flavors,” said Samrenee.
Her goal is to work in animation or with television documentaries, such as National Geographic or the History Channel.
Representative of the ideals of the Gator Nation, Samrenee continues to bring her enthusiasm for journalism to SJVP.
Overall, Samrenee has enjoyed the exposure she has received as a UF telecommunications student.
“I love the experience,” she said, and we could almost feel her genuine admiration for the College of Journalism and the college as a whole.
“You have to try everything- all the flavors,” said Samrenee.
Her goal is to work in animation or with television documentaries, such as National Geographic or the History Channel.
Representative of the ideals of the Gator Nation, Samrenee continues to bring her enthusiasm for journalism to SJVP.
Overall, Samrenee has enjoyed the exposure she has received as a UF telecommunications student.
“I love the experience,” she said, and we could almost feel her genuine admiration for the College of Journalism and the college as a whole.
Blue Team: Immigration makes America stronger
By Linda
Bamba, Blue Team
My family did not have the benefits some might today with
the proposed immigration reform.
So hopefully in a few
short years this can go into effect and actually help undocumented people out
there. Unfortunately, my family had to go the hard way and make a path of their own.
I have a personal attachment to this story because it shapes
my childhood and the background that I come from. My entire family is from Ivory Coast in West Africa.
They
all came to the U.S with a working visa and green card but went through a
lengthy and costly process that did not even guarantee safety within the
country. Working just as hard as an American citizen, my parents spent almost
5-6 years to become legal.
Even though they had a child in this country they still had
to fight for citizenship. With the immigration reform people that have been in
this country for years are able to have an efficient way of becoming legal in
this country.
The Reagan era was the last time this topic has been brought to light in Congress. Recently the Senate passed immigration reform with a 68 to 32 ratio with only 14 of them being Republicans.
This story sadly switched from the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States into a battle between the Senate and the House.
Now that the Senate has passed immigration reform, the House of Representatives should do the same so that the U.S can continue to make a path for the undocumented.
As a country built upon the belief of freedom, we have
become the melting pot. A place where as a citizen in a direct-democracy we
have rights given to us by the constitution that ensures equality and justice.
Why would we make the
process so long for others? Or set the prices on each document so expensive
some families can only send one or two members? With the economic state that
our country is facing now, the immigration reform can only benefit us in the
long run. Think about it, the more people that pay taxes the more money that
goes into business that makes jobs.
Documenting aliens will give them rights to buy homes,
making them not only land owners but car owners and business owners only making
the economy stronger.
Past, Present, and Future: UF Junior’s View on Journalism -- Red Team
By: Allison Frison and Emily Blomeley
Michelle Provenzano enrolled in an introductory journalism class her freshman year of high school to see if it would heighten her interest in the field. As a result, she wrote for her school newspaper and became a Page Editor.
Those experiences led Michelle to say journalism was “her passion.”
Michelle decided to hone her passion at UF for several reasons, such as the number of awards and recognitions the college of Journalism has received throughout the years.
It is one of the top ten journalism schools in the nation, and is home to the second largest bachelor degree journalism program in the nation.
Michelle was also attracted to UF due to the fact it offered a “firsthand experience that you didn’t have to go off campus to find,” she said.
At UF she explored different branches of journalism and communications.
She said that she eventually fell in love with production, which involves more behind the scenes work.
In the past the field of journalism was dominated by men. Michelle said, “This was largely due to the fact that women did not have a particularly strong role in the work place.”
However, this has changed drastically throughout the years.
Provenzano said, “Women are just as motivated as men, I feel they have found their place in the work force.”
She already has an idea about what goals she wants to pursue. She wants to cover a professional or college sports team; particularly a women’s soccer team.
Michelle Provenzano enrolled in an introductory journalism class her freshman year of high school to see if it would heighten her interest in the field. As a result, she wrote for her school newspaper and became a Page Editor.
Those experiences led Michelle to say journalism was “her passion.”
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| Michelle had at work at the INC. |
It is one of the top ten journalism schools in the nation, and is home to the second largest bachelor degree journalism program in the nation.
Michelle was also attracted to UF due to the fact it offered a “firsthand experience that you didn’t have to go off campus to find,” she said.
At UF she explored different branches of journalism and communications.
She said that she eventually fell in love with production, which involves more behind the scenes work.
In the past the field of journalism was dominated by men. Michelle said, “This was largely due to the fact that women did not have a particularly strong role in the work place.”
However, this has changed drastically throughout the years.
Provenzano said, “Women are just as motivated as men, I feel they have found their place in the work force.”
She already has an idea about what goals she wants to pursue. She wants to cover a professional or college sports team; particularly a women’s soccer team.
Eventually she is aiming for a career as a communications director for a sports team.
As our interview closed, she said “I’d like to combine my love for sports, writing, and production into a career in sports communication.” With her training at the UF College of Journalism, she is well on her way.
As our interview closed, she said “I’d like to combine my love for sports, writing, and production into a career in sports communication.” With her training at the UF College of Journalism, she is well on her way.
Blue team: Immigration reform creates true land of opportunity
By Jessica Dreger, Blue Team
The “land of opportunity” is making a step in the right direction with the vote of the Senate on the immigration reform bill. This bill, aiming to create an easier path to citizenship for undocumented workers currently in America, will also please more conservative-minded politicians by tightening border control along the United States/Mexico border.
The modern American world pledges success, opportunity and hope for a more promising future, yet the path to this new world is known to be nearly impossible for undocumented workers. An exorbitant amount of time and money is put into the path to citizenship.
This difficult process should be easier, giving immigrants currently in the United States the opportunity to earn their own citizenship, thus allowing their children and families a safe and promising future.
The immigration reform bill gives these immigrants this opportunity, without allowing a free-for-all of American migration.
Jillian Bieber, a history teacher and the sponsor of the Spyglass newspaper at Braden River High School, faced difficulty on her own path to citizenship. Bieber, born and raised in England, spent seven tiring years in attempt to gain citizenship. Though she was a hard-working teacher with an American husband and three American children, the process was grueling, with tests the average American may not be able to pass, and time wasted she will not be able to gain back.
Undocumented workers often come to America and have children. These children become citizens, being born in the United States, thus making the deportation of their parents difficult and emotionally painful.
The issue of the future of immigration lies within the 2,000 mile border between Mexico and the United States. The immigration reform bill will provide for resources to protect the border, making American citizens safer.
Drug cartels are an obvious issue when referring to illegal immigration. As illegal immigrants create newer ways to bring drugs into the United States, this reform bill aims to provide the resources necessary to combat these increasingly intricate operations.
The downfall of this bill comes only from the long-standing argument between Democrats and Republicans. Once the reform gets past the stereotypical viewpoints, success may be possible and America will once again be viewed as the “land of opportunity.”
The “land of opportunity” is making a step in the right direction with the vote of the Senate on the immigration reform bill. This bill, aiming to create an easier path to citizenship for undocumented workers currently in America, will also please more conservative-minded politicians by tightening border control along the United States/Mexico border.
The modern American world pledges success, opportunity and hope for a more promising future, yet the path to this new world is known to be nearly impossible for undocumented workers. An exorbitant amount of time and money is put into the path to citizenship.
This difficult process should be easier, giving immigrants currently in the United States the opportunity to earn their own citizenship, thus allowing their children and families a safe and promising future.
The immigration reform bill gives these immigrants this opportunity, without allowing a free-for-all of American migration.
Jillian Bieber, a history teacher and the sponsor of the Spyglass newspaper at Braden River High School, faced difficulty on her own path to citizenship. Bieber, born and raised in England, spent seven tiring years in attempt to gain citizenship. Though she was a hard-working teacher with an American husband and three American children, the process was grueling, with tests the average American may not be able to pass, and time wasted she will not be able to gain back.
Undocumented workers often come to America and have children. These children become citizens, being born in the United States, thus making the deportation of their parents difficult and emotionally painful.
The issue of the future of immigration lies within the 2,000 mile border between Mexico and the United States. The immigration reform bill will provide for resources to protect the border, making American citizens safer.
Drug cartels are an obvious issue when referring to illegal immigration. As illegal immigrants create newer ways to bring drugs into the United States, this reform bill aims to provide the resources necessary to combat these increasingly intricate operations.
The downfall of this bill comes only from the long-standing argument between Democrats and Republicans. Once the reform gets past the stereotypical viewpoints, success may be possible and America will once again be viewed as the “land of opportunity.”
Blue Team: Climate change plan sweeping the nation
President Obama’s attempt to limit pollution
from coal-fired power plants will hopefully sweep the nation.
In his speech this week at Georgetown
University, Obama sought to take action before it’s too late. As the
temperature escalates, ice caps are melting and the sea level is rising. We are
doing very little to stop it.
Obama wants
Americans to waste less energy, by requiring vehicles to burn less fuel and
appliances to use less electricity. He also
wants to limit the discharge of greenhouse gases such as methane.
As Obama
said in his speech, “As a president, as a father and as an American, I’m here
to say we need to act, I refuse to condemn your generation and future
generations to a planet that is beyond fixing.”
Obama
released an extensive second-term drive Tuesday. His goal is to combat climate change and
secure a safer planet.
At the
center of Obama’s plan are new controls on new and current power plants that release
carbon dioxide. Heat-trapping gases can be blamed for global warming.
Obama’s
campaign will come face to face with difficult obstacles along the way. Former
EPA Administrator Christie Whitman said in an interview, “There will be legal
challenges. No question about that.”
One of the
challenges that Obama will face is that he doesn’t need Congress to carry out
his plan, this will lead to making them mad.
We believe
that Obama’s attempt will give us the push we need to make the right change,
which will benefit us in the future.
News targeted to Hispanic population in North Central Florida (Red Team)
By: Joey Peluso
The Hispanic community in North Central Florida has never had a dedicated source of news to keep them informed and up-to-date, said Dr. Amy Jo Coffey, faculty advisor for Noticias.
To fill this need, journalism students at the University of Florida work to produce Noticias, a radio show built to serve a growing Latino population.
The show airs every Saturday at 6 a.m. on 89.1 WUFT-FM.
Anchored, produced, directed, and edited entirely by students, the station serves as a useful and reliable source of local, national, and world news to Spanish-speaking listeners across North Central Florida.
Sarah Preciado is the anchor and executive producer of Noticias.
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Noticias anchor Sarah Preciado records for the UF student run radio program
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Noticias anchor and producer Monivette Cordiero edits recorded radio material.
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Blue Team: Swift passage of immigration reform in America’s best interest
By Michael Higgins, Blue Team
Earlier this week, the United States Senate finished up the all-important first step toward immigration reform, creating hope for supporters of solving the ever-growing problem of undocumented workers slipping into and living in the U.S.
The Senate voted in favor of the proposed immigration reform bill on Thursday in an overwhelming 68-to-32 final tally, paving the way for a possible similar outcome in the House of Representatives later on in what promises to be a lengthy ordeal.
In doing so, the Senate took a huge first step, making a statement of sorts that change is indeed on the way. For a country inhabited by 11 million undocumented workers, with countless more crossing U.S. borders each year, this change is very much welcomed.
Supporters of this bill are strongly in favor of granting citizenship to illegal immigrants soon, and have several satisfactory reasons for holding such opinions.
One of the largest issues at hand is the need to address future enhanced border control, as these millions of immigrants are multiplying each year. If borders are not adequately regulated in the future, the problem will only worsen in the states, and the existing immigrants will continue to live illegally.
Another basic point that has been presented is that these immigrants have greatly contributed to the work force and economy. By being granted citizenship, these men and women will finally receive welcome in a country that has historically been a haven and land of opportunity for foreigners seeking economic advancement.
Compromises must be made now for change to take root, and it would be easier to grant these immigrants citizenship than to deal with future border problems and a rising number of undocumented workers. It is naïve to think that 11 million people can simply be deported, so why not change this problem by focusing on the future than trying to correct the past?
Those in opposition to the bill claim that it would give a pass to 11 million lawbreakers, and can argue that American citizens are being threatened by the immigrants’ ability to occupy jobs.
These stances have truth to them, but they only add to the problem. It would be in America’s best interest to solve what it can as soon as possible, preventing further worry and turmoil.
My Experience at SJVP 2013 -- Yellow Team
When I was heading to the Summer Journalism Visitation Program this morning I was very nervous and apprehensive. I didn’t really have much prior knowledge about journalism and I felt like my general idea about the field was wrong. I didn’t take any journalism classes at school but I was a president in a club and I know I enjoyed presenting things to my members.
SJVP was a great experience and I was able to learn things about the field of journalism that I wasn’t aware of. There are a variety of news platforms to join and be a part of whether it is through television, radio, or over the internet. This interested me because I can have the ability and freedom to explore areas that I choose, and I don’t have to stick to one thing.
I liked how everyone who presented loved what they were doing and had positive things to say about their experiences at UF and beyond. There are many possibilities and paths I can take from getting a degree in this field. I have a better idea about the field of journalism as well as what it takes to be successful now and I feel more certain that this may be something that I would like to major and develop a career in.
--Bryan Ellison
My Experiences at SJVP 2013 -- Yellow Team
Sitting here in a state-of-the-art computer lab, listlessly collecting my excited thoughts, one thing has been made readily apparent: my experience with the University of Florida's School of Journalism visitation program has been stellar, informative, and endlessly rewarding.
Waking up early in the morning is bound to draw ire from me towards most things, not to mention getting lost in UF's labyrinth (albeit scenic) campus and showing up late to the opening address. As I sat down and stirred I suddenly came to realize that the stories and mantras coming from Student Experiences Coordinator Renee Gork were not only relatable, but compelling. She told us about her experiences in the field of multimedia production post-graduation as a sportscaster and her success and ambition outside of the classroom revealed a passion for reporting and for the campus that resonated soundly with me. She left us in the capable hands of our supervisors, myself with the friendly and distinguished journalism teacher, Jeff Riley.
Sorted into our groups, I was assigned to log my trip today through a dedicated Twitter account. This surprised and excited me, being an avid tweet freak I reveled at the chance to effectively bite-size my tour through Weimer Hall. Filing into the Innovation News Center building, our first speakers came in the form of Monivette Corderio and Sarah Preciado, who uphold the Noticias WUFT program. A Spanish-speaking newscast, these two eloquently described the language barriers and specialized stories associated with their reporting. Later, they managed to draw the distinction between radio reporting versus television reporting. It was fascinating for me to see that UF's news reporters cover such a broad spectrum of interests and racial backgrounds. Next up was a fine presentation from Weimer Hall alum Chris Peralta and doctoral student Christine Eschenfelder about the daily trials and tribulations associated with reporting.
From conducting interviews, to preparing news packages, to meeting strict deadlines, their lively session showed us that the profession is not without stress, that their is a constant, daily pressure that newscasters have to become accustomed to. They promised that the labor and sleep deprivation are worth it when you see the final production come to fruition however, and their sincerity was reassuring.
Last but not least, Andy Selapak drove home the recurring notion that the journalism industry is a changing beast with his emphasis on social media and its role in the sphere of reporting. He cut right to the chase and asked "How many of you read the paper everyday?" Nobody moves. Without missing a beat, he followed with "How many of you check your Twitter feed on a daily basis?" Hands start to reluctantly raise. I live tweeted a picture of him motioning animatedly with his phone and realized I was the vast majority he was directly speaking to. Showing the site of a past student who has received job offers from her sleek, well-designed blog, he stressed that initiative will decide if we as high school students will become a rising force in reporting or merely twitchy bloggers of a fledgling social media era. By the end of today's session, as I finish this lengthy summary, I've got to hand it to these presenters and this established college for impressing me and showing me the basics of something I'd like to pursue closely and with great ambition in my fast-approaching college years.
--Caleb Beck
On the Importance of Social Media -- Yellow Team
When searching for the latest information, the first place it appears is on social media networks. Before breaking news cuts into your favorite television program, tweets and re-tweets are already zipping around the social media world. In this day and age, “smartphones have become like a third arm” says Dr. Andy Selapak of the University of Florida.
Most people wouldn’t dare to walk out their front door without a cell phone in their pocket. Our world has become so obsessed with social media and smartphones that there are more users on Facebook than three times the size of the population of the United States of America. Although this is depressing how much we rely on them, the advantage of this is that news companies can reach millions of people and give them the latest updates in just a few seconds.
Unlike television programs and radio broadcasts, to post information of the latest happenings, you do not have to labor over collecting and picking up the pieces of little scraps of data. Sending a short message is just as beneficial and sparks the reader’s interest to learn more. News companies have apps now that can send you “Breaking News” right to your smartphone.
As Dr. Selapak said: “A reporter has three jobs: to gather and collect information, to learn about the latest news, and to share this material with others.” And with smartphones and social media it’s easier to do so.
Unlike television programs and radio broadcasts, to post information of the latest happenings, you do not have to labor over collecting and picking up the pieces of little scraps of data. Sending a short message is just as beneficial and sparks the reader’s interest to learn more. News companies have apps now that can send you “Breaking News” right to your smartphone.
As Dr. Selapak said: “A reporter has three jobs: to gather and collect information, to learn about the latest news, and to share this material with others.” And with smartphones and social media it’s easier to do so.
--Lainie Morris
A Complete Summary of the 2013 SJVP -- Green Team
Radio
Contrary to belief, radio and television are basically the same with a few differences. Noticas latino radio station tells us that there is a more different and descriptive story telling in radio then there would be in television. With only twenty seconds of time on the air to get the news out and no visuals, they need to get their point across and still keep listeners on their toes. The process of making the show begins with the brainstorming of different breaking news and which one seemed a bit important to the audience their telling it too. Then they choose a reader who has a clear strong voice to get the people to know where they are going with the story.
Usually though they have wraps, which are much longer stories composed of a minute and thirty seconds that is an important story or the main focus of the show. Next they do the same thing television crews do, they write the script, which has to be short and simple, yet gives the whole thing detail. After the script writing they do the normal thing and record the show, a long process that usually takes hours to complete. They finished recording and now they have a ton of things to work with, editing is the next step in creating the radio show they have now. The professor then looks over their work approves it and off their work goes, to be heard by thousands of latinos who tune in every single day to listen.
As they went into their description of working through the radio station they kept mentioning that to be in radio you would need to be descriptive. Even though it seems to be two different worlds, radio is working closely to television and they wanted to get that point across. They made the point to the students that being descriptive was important in the world of radio, that radio and television is a group and the same, and that their line of work is still extremely important to the masses of lovers who tune in each day to listen.
Television
Television is a medium used for a very long time, before cell phones everybody tuned into their television to watch the latest breaking news and they still do now. In the world of television, a good video is needed for a good story. That is what is what the two presenters were trying to get across to the students of the summer program; to get a good video is the important part. Being a reporter you have to be able to take the person to the scene, make them feel like they are there alongside the problems the people are facing. That is what makes people stay tuned into the television to learn more. The crazy thing is, they tell us is that they only have three to four hours worth of time to go out and complete what they call a package.
Chris Peralta explained what exactly a package was, a package is a news story that compresses of videos, story, and sound bytes. He leaves at a certain time and has to return within time to get the package complete and ready before deadline. A process which he states, is the scariest part about being in the business. Along with collecting the videos a script has to be written, fixed, then recorded. Script writing for television is a lot different from writing for radio, instead of being descriptive they have to be conversational, it has to be perfect for the ear something that doesn’t bore people to sleep. Christine Eschenfelder makes the group know that television sentences have to be short and simple, it shouldn’t be too long or not detailed.
Internet Writing
A new thing has come up, something taking the world by storm, no it isn’t dangerous but it is a great tool for getting news around. It’s called the internet and Ethan Magoc explained to the students today how it could make your life easier. Internet news reporting could be more in depth then radio and television, and it could open more possibilities to the reader. Ethan tells us that links are the currency for the internet, you go read an article online and you click on a link sending you another article, you automatically have everything happening in the world at the palm of your hand. It makes the news a lot easier to find for people who cannot get to it. The great thing about the internet, Ethan tells us, is that the websites are all about the facts that is what makes it a lot more popular to the people. You get what you need and then you can be on your way.
Headlines are the most important thing when it comes to the internet, you need to get the attention of the person and keep them there, mainly because people on the internet do not have the greatest attention span. You also need to make sure that visuals are a part of the story, Ethan mentions that it keeps the person focused on the story, it makes it a lot more appealing if you have pictures to go with text. Writing for the internet is like writing for a newspaper, except many people can automatically share it with their friends and their friends will share it with their friends. It will have to be able to go out into the world, that is how a good reporter gets the news out, he has the ability to share the information with others so they can learn and grow.
Ethan also shared that now days, a website for a reporter or aspiring journalist is the greatest things that they can have. It shows what he said, the internet is the next big thing, it is what now the news relies on and how it could help others grow to be the best.
Social Media
Phones are important now, they are the stones that sit in our pockets and yet they have an intense amount of information that we can get with the touch of a button. With that we get things like Facebook and Twitter, two huge things that are the reason we get news fast. Dr. Andy Selapak informs the class on how the things we take for granted can lead us to more news. With the big social media sites we now have an access to information to things we didn’t have access to before. For example, all the news shows have some sort of app or twitter feed that sends people a reminder that a story had just been posted. Dr. Selapak could not stress enough that following at least a couple major news stations could lead you to becoming a greater journalist.
Contrary to belief, radio and television are basically the same with a few differences. Noticas latino radio station tells us that there is a more different and descriptive story telling in radio then there would be in television. With only twenty seconds of time on the air to get the news out and no visuals, they need to get their point across and still keep listeners on their toes. The process of making the show begins with the brainstorming of different breaking news and which one seemed a bit important to the audience their telling it too. Then they choose a reader who has a clear strong voice to get the people to know where they are going with the story.
Usually though they have wraps, which are much longer stories composed of a minute and thirty seconds that is an important story or the main focus of the show. Next they do the same thing television crews do, they write the script, which has to be short and simple, yet gives the whole thing detail. After the script writing they do the normal thing and record the show, a long process that usually takes hours to complete. They finished recording and now they have a ton of things to work with, editing is the next step in creating the radio show they have now. The professor then looks over their work approves it and off their work goes, to be heard by thousands of latinos who tune in every single day to listen.
As they went into their description of working through the radio station they kept mentioning that to be in radio you would need to be descriptive. Even though it seems to be two different worlds, radio is working closely to television and they wanted to get that point across. They made the point to the students that being descriptive was important in the world of radio, that radio and television is a group and the same, and that their line of work is still extremely important to the masses of lovers who tune in each day to listen.
Television
Television is a medium used for a very long time, before cell phones everybody tuned into their television to watch the latest breaking news and they still do now. In the world of television, a good video is needed for a good story. That is what is what the two presenters were trying to get across to the students of the summer program; to get a good video is the important part. Being a reporter you have to be able to take the person to the scene, make them feel like they are there alongside the problems the people are facing. That is what makes people stay tuned into the television to learn more. The crazy thing is, they tell us is that they only have three to four hours worth of time to go out and complete what they call a package.
Chris Peralta explained what exactly a package was, a package is a news story that compresses of videos, story, and sound bytes. He leaves at a certain time and has to return within time to get the package complete and ready before deadline. A process which he states, is the scariest part about being in the business. Along with collecting the videos a script has to be written, fixed, then recorded. Script writing for television is a lot different from writing for radio, instead of being descriptive they have to be conversational, it has to be perfect for the ear something that doesn’t bore people to sleep. Christine Eschenfelder makes the group know that television sentences have to be short and simple, it shouldn’t be too long or not detailed.
Internet Writing
A new thing has come up, something taking the world by storm, no it isn’t dangerous but it is a great tool for getting news around. It’s called the internet and Ethan Magoc explained to the students today how it could make your life easier. Internet news reporting could be more in depth then radio and television, and it could open more possibilities to the reader. Ethan tells us that links are the currency for the internet, you go read an article online and you click on a link sending you another article, you automatically have everything happening in the world at the palm of your hand. It makes the news a lot easier to find for people who cannot get to it. The great thing about the internet, Ethan tells us, is that the websites are all about the facts that is what makes it a lot more popular to the people. You get what you need and then you can be on your way.
Headlines are the most important thing when it comes to the internet, you need to get the attention of the person and keep them there, mainly because people on the internet do not have the greatest attention span. You also need to make sure that visuals are a part of the story, Ethan mentions that it keeps the person focused on the story, it makes it a lot more appealing if you have pictures to go with text. Writing for the internet is like writing for a newspaper, except many people can automatically share it with their friends and their friends will share it with their friends. It will have to be able to go out into the world, that is how a good reporter gets the news out, he has the ability to share the information with others so they can learn and grow.
Ethan also shared that now days, a website for a reporter or aspiring journalist is the greatest things that they can have. It shows what he said, the internet is the next big thing, it is what now the news relies on and how it could help others grow to be the best.
Social Media
Phones are important now, they are the stones that sit in our pockets and yet they have an intense amount of information that we can get with the touch of a button. With that we get things like Facebook and Twitter, two huge things that are the reason we get news fast. Dr. Andy Selapak informs the class on how the things we take for granted can lead us to more news. With the big social media sites we now have an access to information to things we didn’t have access to before. For example, all the news shows have some sort of app or twitter feed that sends people a reminder that a story had just been posted. Dr. Selapak could not stress enough that following at least a couple major news stations could lead you to becoming a greater journalist.
Gathering, learning, and sharing are the three main points in Dr. Selapak’s presentation. It’s the three keys to success when it comes to being a journalist; in this day and age you better do just that because social media is on the rise. We can only grow with them and learn as journalist how social media can affect the news for the good.
-- Tammy Falcon
Green Team's SJVP experiences
This is a collection of blog posts about the experiences of the high school students who participated in the Summer Journalism Visitation Program at the University of Florida on Saturday, June 29, 2013. Students came from around the state and country to take part in this event. Presenters who volunteered to help SJVP students included Nathan Crabbe (blue team), Antonia Robinson & Novice Johnson (red team), Nicki Karimipour (green team), and Jeff Riley (yellow team).
The Gannett Auditorium has its air conditioning running full blast and its lectern already positioned as eager bodies wait just beyond the double doors. 8:30 a.m. rolls around and the parents and students file in one by one and patiently await the first words of the opening ceremony. SJVP 2013 is finally here. The Summer Journalism Visitation Program has been held at the University of Florida every summer for over 15 years. On this memorable day, students tote their parents across campus to Weimer Hall, located directly across from the reputable Ben Hill Griffith Stadium, for this free career experience where they learn skills such as writing, reporting, editing, photography and communications for newspaper, broadcast and photojournalism. Many of the students participating in the program have been enlightened to not only the print side of journalism, but also how to adapt the same story to radio, television, and social media. For some, it even changed their ideals on what field they want to enter. “I came in wanting to go into multimedia production and I think, after the fact, I’m still wanting to go into multimedia production,” said Caleb Beck, a Destin native and rising senior in high school. “They really made it seem like one of the most interesting fields to go into as far as TV production, weather reporting and just on the range of covering things with videos and sound bites. Just covering all that in one broad spectrum then using that as reporting.” Some may claim that print journalism is dying and newspapers are in a slow yet steady decline, but the passion for story telling is as alive as ever. The kids and families here today show the thriving interest in new and exciting ways to gather and share information at the click of a button. - Nikki Morse
Students learn about the different aspects of writing for various platforms such as print, radio, online and social media.
My experience today was that it was very interesting learning to see what it takes to be a good journalist. Two students who work with the Latino radio station at the University of Florida told the SJVP students about the broadcasting process works. When working on the radio you will have to create an image in the listener’s head. They produce the recording ahead of time to proof for mistakes before putting it on air. When translating different languages for radio, you have to find a fluent speaker of the language to speak the news cast. We learned today that you must ensure that the camera can record on all kinds of formats, have good picture while recording to grab the watcher’s attention. I learned that a news “package” is going around getting pictures and video for the news cast. To come up with what the news team will talk about for the week, they need to have a meeting to discuss story ideas. There are different segments in a program, such as hard breaking news, soft news and funny news casts. Smartphones are useful because social media helps us find information faster. Facebook & Twitter are probably the best media tools in my opinion. We also learned that 1.11 billion people use Facebook and 554 million people use Twitter. People can find breaking news, just by going on these social networks. So all in all, today was a wonderful experience. - Dorien Martin
The Gannett Auditorium has its air conditioning running full blast and its lectern already positioned as eager bodies wait just beyond the double doors. 8:30 a.m. rolls around and the parents and students file in one by one and patiently await the first words of the opening ceremony. SJVP 2013 is finally here. The Summer Journalism Visitation Program has been held at the University of Florida every summer for over 15 years. On this memorable day, students tote their parents across campus to Weimer Hall, located directly across from the reputable Ben Hill Griffith Stadium, for this free career experience where they learn skills such as writing, reporting, editing, photography and communications for newspaper, broadcast and photojournalism. Many of the students participating in the program have been enlightened to not only the print side of journalism, but also how to adapt the same story to radio, television, and social media. For some, it even changed their ideals on what field they want to enter. “I came in wanting to go into multimedia production and I think, after the fact, I’m still wanting to go into multimedia production,” said Caleb Beck, a Destin native and rising senior in high school. “They really made it seem like one of the most interesting fields to go into as far as TV production, weather reporting and just on the range of covering things with videos and sound bites. Just covering all that in one broad spectrum then using that as reporting.” Some may claim that print journalism is dying and newspapers are in a slow yet steady decline, but the passion for story telling is as alive as ever. The kids and families here today show the thriving interest in new and exciting ways to gather and share information at the click of a button. - Nikki Morse
My experience today was that it was very interesting learning to see what it takes to be a good journalist. Two students who work with the Latino radio station at the University of Florida told the SJVP students about the broadcasting process works. When working on the radio you will have to create an image in the listener’s head. They produce the recording ahead of time to proof for mistakes before putting it on air. When translating different languages for radio, you have to find a fluent speaker of the language to speak the news cast. We learned today that you must ensure that the camera can record on all kinds of formats, have good picture while recording to grab the watcher’s attention. I learned that a news “package” is going around getting pictures and video for the news cast. To come up with what the news team will talk about for the week, they need to have a meeting to discuss story ideas. There are different segments in a program, such as hard breaking news, soft news and funny news casts. Smartphones are useful because social media helps us find information faster. Facebook & Twitter are probably the best media tools in my opinion. We also learned that 1.11 billion people use Facebook and 554 million people use Twitter. People can find breaking news, just by going on these social networks. So all in all, today was a wonderful experience. - Dorien Martin
Overheard Saying... (Red Team)
By: Qiturah Bholai
Students and staff attending the Summer Visitation Journalism Program at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communication shared their opinions of the 21st Century News Delivery Program on June 29.
"Informative, interesting and intriguing."- Heather Mischele of Mainland high school, Daytona, FL
"It helped me discover more about my career path and reinforced that this is what I want to do."- Erica Wood of Vanguard high school, Ocala, FL
"The timeline wasn't fixed for the radio this morning when we came in, and this was unexpected but rewarding and nice to know kids are interested in journalism."- Monivette Corderio of Noticias WUFT FM 89
Students and staff attending the Summer Visitation Journalism Program at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communication shared their opinions of the 21st Century News Delivery Program on June 29.
"Informative, interesting and intriguing."- Heather Mischele of Mainland high school, Daytona, FL
"It helped me discover more about my career path and reinforced that this is what I want to do."- Erica Wood of Vanguard high school, Ocala, FL
"The timeline wasn't fixed for the radio this morning when we came in, and this was unexpected but rewarding and nice to know kids are interested in journalism."- Monivette Corderio of Noticias WUFT FM 89
Online news overview -- Yellow Team
The University of Florida hosted the annual Summer Journalism Visitation Program at the College of Journalism and Communications in Gainesville, Fla. on June 29, 2013. I had the awesome opportunity to be able to attend and participate.
Classes were divided by the students’ personal interests: multimedia, and news gathering/ reporting. After a basic introduction, we were moved to the Innovation News Center where we were taught the essentials of radio, television, internet, and social media. Specifically, my group gained enrichment from the internet essentials.
Ethan Magoc, an online managing editor, spoke to us about writing for the internet. He explained to the students that if you make a web page now, you will be a few steps ahead of the game as opposed to someone you’re competing with for a job.
“Links are the currency of internet,” said Magoc. “Make a web page, put yourself out there, and take the initiative to better your understanding about the world.”
--Jalissa Neal
Classes were divided by the students’ personal interests: multimedia, and news gathering/ reporting. After a basic introduction, we were moved to the Innovation News Center where we were taught the essentials of radio, television, internet, and social media. Specifically, my group gained enrichment from the internet essentials.
Ethan Magoc, an online managing editor, spoke to us about writing for the internet. He explained to the students that if you make a web page now, you will be a few steps ahead of the game as opposed to someone you’re competing with for a job.
“Links are the currency of internet,” said Magoc. “Make a web page, put yourself out there, and take the initiative to better your understanding about the world.”
--Jalissa Neal
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