Executive Director of Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Lucy Dalglish came to the University at Albany to share a lesson on disappearing freedom of the press laws and her ideas on good journalism habits/ethics. There were three speakers used to introduce her, Dr. William Rainbolt, then Professor Rosemary Armao and Bob Porter, Times Union reporter who all spoke highly of her and each other. All four speakers are seasoned journalists.
Dalglish started her presentation on a light note with the exclamation, “Let there be light, I can read now,” when the over head lights were turned on for her. Next, she said “I’ve known Rosemary long enough to know that when she calls and asks to do something, you don’t say no.” She has been the executive director for three years and is a journalist who practices law now. She said, “there is nothing so complicated that I have done as a lawyer than journalist protection law.”
Dalglish spoke about government agencies passing different laws like the privacy act to get journalists to revel their sources if they are not named with the information they shared. She said that some of the laws succeed in getting journalists to break their promises to their anonymous sources by getting judges to make them release names or pay high prices. As a result of this, sources dry up. No one wants to come forward to publicly share information that could be news and journalists are being looked at as untrustworthy to people brave enough to share information anonymously.
“Many high official sources have dried up”, says Dalglish, “they won’t talk without source protection.” Judges can ask reporters to produce their notes and names and view all the information that they have recorded. Dalglish recounted the case of Toni Locy who is being subpoenaed for names from terrorist investigations. The government wants to know who leaked the information. She always had the habit of throwing away her notes and lists of sources. When asked to give them up, she said I don’t have the written. She was asked to try to remember the names and she said no. Now she is being subpoenaed at $5,000 a day with no help of reimbursement from anyone. She is not a rich woman so she is being used as an example to send a message to journalist.
Many journalists throw their notes away after a certain amount of time or when they are done with them, it is a normal thing. Dalglish advises young journalists on good ethical habits. She says, “it is important to make clear what your relationship will be” between journalist and sources; “keep in mind emails don’t belong to you”, “phone records belong to the phone company ”, “Be Matt Damon ” in the Bourne movies, “don’t throw notes away, don’t trash email”. Dalglish said an important one to follow is “whatever you do, be consistent, if you’re going to pitch them, pitch all, if you’re going to keep them, keep all.” Don’t leave holes in your notes if you are usually an organized note keeper because it will look suspicious.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Swift boating
The term "swift boating" refers to a smear campaign or an attack made on a political figure that they feel is unfair or not true. It comes from a group called the "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth". The group disapproved of 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry. The group used anti-war statements made by their members and John Kerry from 1971, the Vietnam war, to discredit his campaign through television ads and a best selling book. The term is now used as a synonym for smear campaign.
Cartoonist
Tom Toles: Washington Post Cartoonist
His audience is older adult.
John de Rosier: Times Union Cartoonist
His audience is younger.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Guest Speaker: Bruce Squiers
On Wednesday April 16, 2008, photojournalist Bruce Squiers came as a guest speaker to a journalism 200 course at the University at Albany. Squiers works for the Daily Gazette in Schenectady, N.Y. He spoke to a class of freshman and sophomores about his experiences. He said he majored in journalism. From there he started at a small weekly paper where he took photos and and wrote but started liking the photo taking part of reporting more.
Squiers said, "visual literacy is a broad term." Everyone has it, it can be photo images in your head. Two photo images from his head were the assassination of JFK and 9/11. He said that as a photojournalist, you miss more moments that you can capture on film but not to worry because "good pictures happen everywhere and all the time." So a moment lost can usually be made up for later in time. He also said "you can be anywhere in the world and shot great photography."
"Good pictures are suppose to speak for themselves" but "most pictures are improved with a little explanation information,a caption," Squiers said. He said a good photo depends on all the elements coming together. The elements are the photographers perspective, which is the position of the camera, the light, the sense of composition, and form. When the photo has a certain balance, it means that they are all in symmetry.
The famous french photographer Henry Cartier Bresson said "the eye, and the brain, and the soul makes the picture, the camera merely records." Squiers said, "I only took basic psych but you are your experiences, your life." "Your interpretation my be different from someone else so be aware the your filters may be different from everyone else." What he meant by filters is the minds eye that tells the photographer what type of shot he likes, for example, being attracted to outdoor shots over fashion. As Squiers implies by saying, "I report with a camera," photojournalism is journalism through photography. A picture is a thousand words, "you pick the time, you pick the moment."
Squiers said, "visual literacy is a broad term." Everyone has it, it can be photo images in your head. Two photo images from his head were the assassination of JFK and 9/11. He said that as a photojournalist, you miss more moments that you can capture on film but not to worry because "good pictures happen everywhere and all the time." So a moment lost can usually be made up for later in time. He also said "you can be anywhere in the world and shot great photography."
"Good pictures are suppose to speak for themselves" but "most pictures are improved with a little explanation information,a caption," Squiers said. He said a good photo depends on all the elements coming together. The elements are the photographers perspective, which is the position of the camera, the light, the sense of composition, and form. When the photo has a certain balance, it means that they are all in symmetry.
The famous french photographer Henry Cartier Bresson said "the eye, and the brain, and the soul makes the picture, the camera merely records." Squiers said, "I only took basic psych but you are your experiences, your life." "Your interpretation my be different from someone else so be aware the your filters may be different from everyone else." What he meant by filters is the minds eye that tells the photographer what type of shot he likes, for example, being attracted to outdoor shots over fashion. As Squiers implies by saying, "I report with a camera," photojournalism is journalism through photography. A picture is a thousand words, "you pick the time, you pick the moment."
Cooling off at the Fountain
Monday, April 21, 2008, the main fountain on the uptown campus at the University at Albany.
It is very warm outdoors at the University at Alabany. Almost all the students outside had on shorts, T-shirts or a bathing suit. The photograph was taken from the stairs leading away from the campus center and to the fountain. The students in the photograph are tossing a frisbee around. The water is cold upon entrance but your body gets used to it. For most students, the water in the fountain does not go above their knees so swiming would be a bit difficult.
Most female students there were seated or lying down on the side of the fountain tanning. A student brought his blow-up turtle to the water. Not everyone got into the water, most just sat on the side with their legs dipped in chatting with friends. The sun was high in the sky at 3 pm and the only shade there was inside or under the staircases. No one there chose that.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
International Exchange
Through the University's International Programs, an English teacher from the Republic of Tatarstan,Russia, came to the University at Albany to share her culture and family story with SUNY Albany students. Julia Ziyatdinova's goal is to research the higher education system here to improve on her nation's own. She spoke excellent English as she stood before a lecture hall filled with students and told them about her country and family. She said that she was friends with Mr. Pasquil, who is the Director of Study Abroad and Exchanges in the Office of International Programs. She also said that she spent an entire day on the plane coming to the America and walked around the airport for a few hours listening to others conversations to get used to the new environment of an English-speaking country.
There are many differences in American and Tatar culture. Ziyatdinova loves the American tradition to smile and their manners. She noted that Americans are always drinking something, from bottles or cups. She meant that it was strange to see people drinking as they walked along their way because in Tatarstan, it is rare to see someone walking around drinking anything. Another odd and amazing thing to her were the brightly colored rain boots; her country only carries it in black. In Tatarstan, restaurants are very expensive and mainly used for official dinners. Here, she went to one and it wasn't as expensive and not used just for official occasions.
Ziyatdinova was reluctant to say anything on the topic at first but still shared the information that divorce isn't something people openly speak about in Tatarstan. She is divorced and has a 2 and a half year-old daughter. She didn't act as if she were trying to hide anything. She was very open with all questions asked and even offered up little stories to help the students understand her better. She thinks America is very clean because she didn't have to clean mud from her shoes when she returned to her hotel room. She was surprised that mostly everyone drove or took the bus here. The highway with no side walk came as a surprise too because she said "in Russian, many people walk."
Her mother is Russian and her father a Tatar. Her father was raised speaking Russian, but his parents were Tatars who only spoke the language, Turkish, amongst themselves. Her parents were raised in the time of communism and "communists couldn't be religious" so she was raised with no religion. Tatars were originally Muslim, Ziyatdinova said, but Christianity was forced onto them in the 16Th century by Ivan the Terrible. Both religions are practiced in Tatarstan today along with others.
The Republic of Tatarstan, which is a part of the Russian Federation is a small nation with an area of 67,838 km². It is surrounded by land on all sides and has large oil deposits. There isn't a lot of mixed culture in Tatarstan, said Ziyatdinova, "there are more and more Chinese but it's hard to see an Afro American." Ziyatdinova also said "there, we call ourselves independent. It is impossible to be independent in the middle of the country." Her research will lead her to Chicago and Los Angeles. She says after coming back home, she loves to walk around the city; Kazan, Tatarstan.
There are many differences in American and Tatar culture. Ziyatdinova loves the American tradition to smile and their manners. She noted that Americans are always drinking something, from bottles or cups. She meant that it was strange to see people drinking as they walked along their way because in Tatarstan, it is rare to see someone walking around drinking anything. Another odd and amazing thing to her were the brightly colored rain boots; her country only carries it in black. In Tatarstan, restaurants are very expensive and mainly used for official dinners. Here, she went to one and it wasn't as expensive and not used just for official occasions.
Ziyatdinova was reluctant to say anything on the topic at first but still shared the information that divorce isn't something people openly speak about in Tatarstan. She is divorced and has a 2 and a half year-old daughter. She didn't act as if she were trying to hide anything. She was very open with all questions asked and even offered up little stories to help the students understand her better. She thinks America is very clean because she didn't have to clean mud from her shoes when she returned to her hotel room. She was surprised that mostly everyone drove or took the bus here. The highway with no side walk came as a surprise too because she said "in Russian, many people walk."
Her mother is Russian and her father a Tatar. Her father was raised speaking Russian, but his parents were Tatars who only spoke the language, Turkish, amongst themselves. Her parents were raised in the time of communism and "communists couldn't be religious" so she was raised with no religion. Tatars were originally Muslim, Ziyatdinova said, but Christianity was forced onto them in the 16Th century by Ivan the Terrible. Both religions are practiced in Tatarstan today along with others.
The Republic of Tatarstan, which is a part of the Russian Federation is a small nation with an area of 67,838 km². It is surrounded by land on all sides and has large oil deposits. There isn't a lot of mixed culture in Tatarstan, said Ziyatdinova, "there are more and more Chinese but it's hard to see an Afro American." Ziyatdinova also said "there, we call ourselves independent. It is impossible to be independent in the middle of the country." Her research will lead her to Chicago and Los Angeles. She says after coming back home, she loves to walk around the city; Kazan, Tatarstan.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Bill Of Rights
Amendment 1
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
For journalists, who are also citizens, this means that they can say, write, and publish what they want.
Amendment 2
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
Amendment 3
"No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law."
Amendment 4
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
Journalists can keep their files private and they can't be searched without rational reason and a detailed warrant.
Amendment 5
"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
Journalist can't just disappear, the government would have to give them a fair trial with charges against them so that they can have a fighting chance.
Amendment 6
"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense."
Amendment 7
"In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law."
Amendment 8
"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."
Amendment 9
"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."
Amendment 10
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."
All information is from this website:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.billofrights.html
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
For journalists, who are also citizens, this means that they can say, write, and publish what they want.
Amendment 2
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
Amendment 3
"No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law."
Amendment 4
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
Journalists can keep their files private and they can't be searched without rational reason and a detailed warrant.
Amendment 5
"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
Journalist can't just disappear, the government would have to give them a fair trial with charges against them so that they can have a fighting chance.
Amendment 6
"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense."
Amendment 7
"In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law."
Amendment 8
"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."
Amendment 9
"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."
Amendment 10
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."
All information is from this website:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.billofrights.html
British Press Hides Prince Harry's Military Service
Prince Harry of Wales, was stationed in the southern Helmand province of Afghanistan from December 2007 to March 2008. Most people knew nothing of this until the story was leaked in late February. His service was to last until April but when the word got out, he was rushed home. The British media struck a deal with the military when Harry went to war. They kept all information on the subject to themselves because they were promised interviews and first hand photos of him in action.
The whole purpose of the media; journalists, newspapers, news broadcasters, news radio stations; is to keep the people informed. In Bill Kovach & Tom Rosenstiel's The Elements of Journalism, the first principle that all journalists go by is "Journalism's first obligation is to the truth." The second is, "It's first loyalty is to citizens." What the British press did by keeping the story a secret, until someone leaked it, does not follow those principles.
Prince Harry is a public figure. His personal life has never been hidden. It can be said that keeping the story may have kept him safe, but his safety isn't the media's concern. Not to sound cold but the citizens should come before a Prince's whim to serve in secrecy knowing that he can endanger his comrades. That would have made for a great story. The story that we have now is, Prince Harry the hero who fought along British citiens as an equal. That sounds like the press did his image a service and that is not their job. They are hired to tell the citizens the truth and all of it.
The whole purpose of the media; journalists, newspapers, news broadcasters, news radio stations; is to keep the people informed. In Bill Kovach & Tom Rosenstiel's The Elements of Journalism, the first principle that all journalists go by is "Journalism's first obligation is to the truth." The second is, "It's first loyalty is to citizens." What the British press did by keeping the story a secret, until someone leaked it, does not follow those principles.
Prince Harry is a public figure. His personal life has never been hidden. It can be said that keeping the story may have kept him safe, but his safety isn't the media's concern. Not to sound cold but the citizens should come before a Prince's whim to serve in secrecy knowing that he can endanger his comrades. That would have made for a great story. The story that we have now is, Prince Harry the hero who fought along British citiens as an equal. That sounds like the press did his image a service and that is not their job. They are hired to tell the citizens the truth and all of it.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
"The Paper"
Aaron Matthews, a Venezuelan born, brooklyn raised, documentary maker comes off as a cool older friend. Dressed in jeans and a sweater, he took questions from an audience of a few old journalists and SUNY Albany students who were there for writing related classes. His film "The Paper" focused on what happened to a Penn State student run newspaper, the Daily Collegian, from 2004 to 2005. It showed the declining trend of newspaper consumption and how, even though alot of people read newspapers, their sale is down.
After the Q and A, I went up to Matthews to introduce myself. I asked how did he feel talking to a room of college students, he said I "feel like a dinosouar." Another student spoke to him before me about getting his contact information for an interview about his movie. He made a joke that had him and I laughing but not the student he was talking to. He said, what about me as a human, making it seem as if everyone who approached him treated him like he was from a different plane and was only there for questions and to be examined.
I started by asking for his autograph, he was stunned and joked that the paper would now have less value with his signature on it. He is a warm guy. I can see why he does documentaries where there is little money to be made. Somehow I made it out of the theatre with his card, a big smile on my face and a matching one on his. When I do contact him, I will get the scoop on his next film and have alot more to ask him.
After the Q and A, I went up to Matthews to introduce myself. I asked how did he feel talking to a room of college students, he said I "feel like a dinosouar." Another student spoke to him before me about getting his contact information for an interview about his movie. He made a joke that had him and I laughing but not the student he was talking to. He said, what about me as a human, making it seem as if everyone who approached him treated him like he was from a different plane and was only there for questions and to be examined.
I started by asking for his autograph, he was stunned and joked that the paper would now have less value with his signature on it. He is a warm guy. I can see why he does documentaries where there is little money to be made. Somehow I made it out of the theatre with his card, a big smile on my face and a matching one on his. When I do contact him, I will get the scoop on his next film and have alot more to ask him.
Interview: Barack Obama on Tavis Smiley
This video is on youtube, the link is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXNGg38UcxU
I rate the interview a 9 out of 10.
I forgot I was doing an assignment while watching the first time so I had to watch it another time to answer the questions and then another time to make sure I answered the right. What I didn't like was the length, it was too short. I loved the questions asked. Both parties, Obama and Smiley, looked very relaxed. They were sharing jokes, like Obama and Dick Cheney's blood relation. About 10 questions were asked but many more were answered.
The best question to me was about Obama fretting about the low poll numbers and having to do damage control with his supporters who think the campaign is in trouble.
The answer brought out his thoughts on the polls and the follow up question of "they would look at the U.S differently for what reason" gave his thoughts on how he believed his supporters see him. At the end of Obama's answer, I would have asked about the significance of his name as he brought it up comparing Barack Hussein Obama to the name George W. Bush. Elaborate on how he feels that the name difference would make people, inside and outside of the U.S, look at the nation differently.
After watching 4 times, I feel as if the interview was used to reiterate his views and ideas rather than to clear up mucky areas in his campaign. I felt like nothing bad was said, as if two friends got together for the hell of it to make both look good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXNGg38UcxU
I rate the interview a 9 out of 10.
I forgot I was doing an assignment while watching the first time so I had to watch it another time to answer the questions and then another time to make sure I answered the right. What I didn't like was the length, it was too short. I loved the questions asked. Both parties, Obama and Smiley, looked very relaxed. They were sharing jokes, like Obama and Dick Cheney's blood relation. About 10 questions were asked but many more were answered.
The best question to me was about Obama fretting about the low poll numbers and having to do damage control with his supporters who think the campaign is in trouble.
The answer brought out his thoughts on the polls and the follow up question of "they would look at the U.S differently for what reason" gave his thoughts on how he believed his supporters see him. At the end of Obama's answer, I would have asked about the significance of his name as he brought it up comparing Barack Hussein Obama to the name George W. Bush. Elaborate on how he feels that the name difference would make people, inside and outside of the U.S, look at the nation differently.
After watching 4 times, I feel as if the interview was used to reiterate his views and ideas rather than to clear up mucky areas in his campaign. I felt like nothing bad was said, as if two friends got together for the hell of it to make both look good.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Interview with someone different
Tarek Mohamed Nouradine Fathy Shalaby is an 18 year-old Kuwait born Muslim male who is a freshman at the University at Albany this year. He was born to Sawsan and Mohamed Shalaby in Kuwait City, Kuwait on August 11, 1989. He has 3 siblings, a brother from a previous marriage, his twenty year-old sister Yasmine and 8 year-old brother Omar. They all have lived together with their parents their entire lives.
Shalaby’s mother is Palestinian and his father Egyptian. When asked where he is from, he says that he is Egyptian. He explained that and Arab child takes on the nationality and religion of the father regardless of where he/she is born. He is a U.S citizen but also a citizen of Egypt because of his dad. The first place the family went after immigrating to the U.S.A was Virginia. They lived there until Shalaby was in the 3rd grade. Then they moved to Queens until he was in the 5th grade and he attended junior high and high school in Roslyn, Long Island. He says that his parents get bored of certain cities and like to travel. They are currently in Florida at one of the homes they own.
Shalaby has never lived in or even visited Kuwait. His parents left the city when he was 6 months old because of the coming Gulf War. He has family in Jordan, Egypt, an aunt in Kuwait and another in London. He is just like his parents with his passion for traveling. Arabic, Spanish and English are the 3 languages he speaks but he said he spoke 3 and a half languages. The half is French; his parents want him to learn it. He is self aware and his friends would call him conceited. “I like the way I look” says Shalaby, with his honey colored skin and straight glossy black hair. He is tall with a burly frame. He personifies youth and happiness but his statement of “I’m not afraid to die” shows an underlying sorrow that is felt for the Middle East from U.S soil.
An interesting statement made by Shalaby was “I don’t like journalists, American journalists. They are biased. Their goal is to make my people look bad. Why would I like them?” That statement provoked the question, do you follow the news and how? He replied that he gets his news from the paper everyday, the Daily News. He doesn’t listen to the radio, just music on his ipod video and he doesn’t use the internet as a source of news. Shalaby stated that internet news is all about celebrities.
When asked what he will major in, he says, “right now, human biology, to go to med school but I’m thinking about being a teacher. I like kids.” He says that being a doctor is his father’s dream and his mom doesn’t mind his profession as long as he is happy. As a part time job Shalaby works with the Liberty Partnership Program as a tutor to middle school kids from the Albany area. He expresses deep concern for the child he is assigned to and speaks of him as his own family member.
When asked who he believed would be the next President, he said, “probably Clinton because of her husband and America is more ready for a female than black president.” The conversation went on to abortion and he started with “it’s her choice” then said no, the decision should be met by the mom and dad of the fetus with no input from anyone else unless their opinion was asked for. His ideal family is a married couple who is wealthy or a little over economic stability with good jobs. The kids should come after they can be afforded. This is because “kids born out of wedlock are miserable” he said. “Single parent homes can cause damage.” For someone who has “no tolerance for ignorance,” he isn’t careful with his words. It seems that he says the first thing that pops into his head. But anyone can have an easy conversation with him, no matter their religious background or economic status. He said that he does not judge when making friends. He also said that he has been interviewed by a lot of people so this was nothing.
Shalaby’s mother is Palestinian and his father Egyptian. When asked where he is from, he says that he is Egyptian. He explained that and Arab child takes on the nationality and religion of the father regardless of where he/she is born. He is a U.S citizen but also a citizen of Egypt because of his dad. The first place the family went after immigrating to the U.S.A was Virginia. They lived there until Shalaby was in the 3rd grade. Then they moved to Queens until he was in the 5th grade and he attended junior high and high school in Roslyn, Long Island. He says that his parents get bored of certain cities and like to travel. They are currently in Florida at one of the homes they own.
Shalaby has never lived in or even visited Kuwait. His parents left the city when he was 6 months old because of the coming Gulf War. He has family in Jordan, Egypt, an aunt in Kuwait and another in London. He is just like his parents with his passion for traveling. Arabic, Spanish and English are the 3 languages he speaks but he said he spoke 3 and a half languages. The half is French; his parents want him to learn it. He is self aware and his friends would call him conceited. “I like the way I look” says Shalaby, with his honey colored skin and straight glossy black hair. He is tall with a burly frame. He personifies youth and happiness but his statement of “I’m not afraid to die” shows an underlying sorrow that is felt for the Middle East from U.S soil.
An interesting statement made by Shalaby was “I don’t like journalists, American journalists. They are biased. Their goal is to make my people look bad. Why would I like them?” That statement provoked the question, do you follow the news and how? He replied that he gets his news from the paper everyday, the Daily News. He doesn’t listen to the radio, just music on his ipod video and he doesn’t use the internet as a source of news. Shalaby stated that internet news is all about celebrities.
When asked what he will major in, he says, “right now, human biology, to go to med school but I’m thinking about being a teacher. I like kids.” He says that being a doctor is his father’s dream and his mom doesn’t mind his profession as long as he is happy. As a part time job Shalaby works with the Liberty Partnership Program as a tutor to middle school kids from the Albany area. He expresses deep concern for the child he is assigned to and speaks of him as his own family member.
When asked who he believed would be the next President, he said, “probably Clinton because of her husband and America is more ready for a female than black president.” The conversation went on to abortion and he started with “it’s her choice” then said no, the decision should be met by the mom and dad of the fetus with no input from anyone else unless their opinion was asked for. His ideal family is a married couple who is wealthy or a little over economic stability with good jobs. The kids should come after they can be afforded. This is because “kids born out of wedlock are miserable” he said. “Single parent homes can cause damage.” For someone who has “no tolerance for ignorance,” he isn’t careful with his words. It seems that he says the first thing that pops into his head. But anyone can have an easy conversation with him, no matter their religious background or economic status. He said that he does not judge when making friends. He also said that he has been interviewed by a lot of people so this was nothing.
Wednesday, February 11th 2008, OUTSIDE
For a tropical native who is used to swim suits, t-shirts and short skirts, Albany is like a snow globe. There’s ice and snow everywhere, the trees are all glazed and the sun isn’t out. To freshman Sasha Williams, in Albany “when it’s cold, its freezing and when it’s hot, it’s too hot. There’s no intermediate.” She said that she didn’t slip or fall while walking through the slush that is everywhere but she had to be extra careful.
The usual rush of students from Indian quad to the podium looks like a mass of bent over waddlers. Everyone is still in a rush but anyone could tell that no one wants to be outside. When asked if she played in the snow, Williams said “no, I did not play in the snow. It’s dirty, mucky and just eww.”
Who could blame her? The snow was ranging from the shades cream to black, and everyone around is trying to walk around and jump over the puddles of dark slush. Most people aren’t wearing rubber boots or boots at all. Even with her long wool coat, Williams is unprepared for the weather with orange low cut sneakers. The attire of the other students’ is similar. Most are not even wearing jackets, just sneakers or shoes, jeans and sweaters. They must have lots of complaints about the weather.
The usual rush of students from Indian quad to the podium looks like a mass of bent over waddlers. Everyone is still in a rush but anyone could tell that no one wants to be outside. When asked if she played in the snow, Williams said “no, I did not play in the snow. It’s dirty, mucky and just eww.”
Who could blame her? The snow was ranging from the shades cream to black, and everyone around is trying to walk around and jump over the puddles of dark slush. Most people aren’t wearing rubber boots or boots at all. Even with her long wool coat, Williams is unprepared for the weather with orange low cut sneakers. The attire of the other students’ is similar. Most are not even wearing jackets, just sneakers or shoes, jeans and sweaters. They must have lots of complaints about the weather.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Final project ideas
1: the friendly faces of Indian Quad
who are the staff
where are they from
why the like working here
do they interact much with the students
what do they think of us?
2: Five quad
what's it like for a freshman bio major
a shift with them
who are the staff
where are they from
why the like working here
do they interact much with the students
what do they think of us?
2: Five quad
what's it like for a freshman bio major
a shift with them
Annually compounded interest
Question: Let's say I have $100 in a savings account. I was told that it would be compounded annually at 10%. What does that mean?
It means that the bank will add 10% of my original amount to my savings each year and it will go up to $110 after the first year. I can get to this number by using this math equation. A= P(1+r)n
P: is the original amount deposited
r: is the annual/ yearly rate of interest
n: is the number of years the money has stayed in the account
A: is the amount of money in the account after n amount of years, this includes the added interest
The trick is to exponentially raise (1+r) by n rather than mutiply it after the first year.
An example would be calculating annual compounded interest after three years. Then the equation would look like this:
A=P(1+r)ⁿ where the n would be the three years.
So after three years, I would have $133.1 in my account.
It means that the bank will add 10% of my original amount to my savings each year and it will go up to $110 after the first year. I can get to this number by using this math equation. A= P(1+r)n
P: is the original amount deposited
r: is the annual/ yearly rate of interest
n: is the number of years the money has stayed in the account
A: is the amount of money in the account after n amount of years, this includes the added interest
The trick is to exponentially raise (1+r) by n rather than mutiply it after the first year.
An example would be calculating annual compounded interest after three years. Then the equation would look like this:
A=P(1+r)ⁿ where the n would be the three years.
So after three years, I would have $133.1 in my account.
The lead for : Interview with Rosemary Armao
A brief look into the life of Rosemary Armoa gives hints on how she settled at the University at Albany. From our little chat in a classroom setting, with other conversations going on, I found that Armao's passion for traveling has taken her to many places. To name a few, she has been to all but five U.S. states, Bosnia, where she was living before coming to Albany, and Uganda.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
What is PLAGIARISM?
The American Heritage Dic.tion.ar.y, third edition, defines plagiarize as " to use and pass off as one's own (the ideas or writings of another)". Plagiarism is also the use of someone else's ideas or work without giving clear credit to them. In our society today, plagiarism is a major deal. People's reputaions have been ruined becuase they were accuse of plagiarism. Some have lost their jobs. Plagiarism is even punishable by law if the item being plagiarized was copyrighted.
To me, plagiarism is using someone else's work without giving them "clear credit," whether it is thier creative thought or hard work. It seems unfair that one person should do work and another take their work, make it sound better and get credit for it. If the original creater were acknowledged by the borrower of their work, clearly or in writing, then the use of a borrowed idea is not plagiarism. If the borrower forgets or just doesn't care about the original source, it is plagiarism.
A link on plagiarism if you're interested.
http://www.cs.umd.edu/~oleary/gradstudy/node13.html
To me, plagiarism is using someone else's work without giving them "clear credit," whether it is thier creative thought or hard work. It seems unfair that one person should do work and another take their work, make it sound better and get credit for it. If the original creater were acknowledged by the borrower of their work, clearly or in writing, then the use of a borrowed idea is not plagiarism. If the borrower forgets or just doesn't care about the original source, it is plagiarism.
A link on plagiarism if you're interested.
http://www.cs.umd.edu/~oleary/gradstudy/node13.html
Saturday, February 9, 2008
How a bill becomes a law
Every bill starts off as an idea. Let's say that Mr. Scheme wants all garbage to be collected by atleast 8 pm in his neighborhood. He writes a letter to his Congressman, Mr. Done, about this idea. The idea gets written into a bill that will be placed in a box called the hopper, with other bills so that they can all be read to the memebers of the House of Representatives. The bill is assigned a number and is then sent to a committee that specializes in the area that it is intended to affect. That committee looks it over and can change things in the bill. They also argue over whether those changes are neccessary, so a bill can be changed repeatedly and still go back to being the same as before the changes.
The next step is when the committee agrees that the bill can go on or they can say that it isn't nessecary and stop it at the previous step. If the committee agrees that it is ready, the bill is sent out with a report and is given a date on one of the house calendars. On that date, it is sent to the house floor where it goes through a similar process as before but faster. It is read once and debated over. It is read a second time and changes are made to it. After the third reading, the members of the house vote on the bill. The bill is sent to the Senate if a majority of the house vote to pass it.
In the Senate, it goes through a similar process as it did in the house. This is to ensure that a law is made democratically. The bill gets looked over, it may have changes made in a special committee and then voted on. If it passes, it is sent to a conference committee to compare the changes made by both houses. If everyone agrees, as in majority rules, the bill is sent to the president to be signed. He can sign it and make it into a law, veto it or take no action and leave the decision up to congress. If the bill is vetoed by the president, it can be sent back to do the entire process again but if enough members of congress disagree with the veto then the bill is taken to override. If both houses can get two-thirds of it's members to vote to override the president, the bill becomes a law. On the other hand, if the president signs the bill, it becomes a law.
You don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.
http://clerkkids.house.gov/laws/bill_begin.html
The next step is when the committee agrees that the bill can go on or they can say that it isn't nessecary and stop it at the previous step. If the committee agrees that it is ready, the bill is sent out with a report and is given a date on one of the house calendars. On that date, it is sent to the house floor where it goes through a similar process as before but faster. It is read once and debated over. It is read a second time and changes are made to it. After the third reading, the members of the house vote on the bill. The bill is sent to the Senate if a majority of the house vote to pass it.
In the Senate, it goes through a similar process as it did in the house. This is to ensure that a law is made democratically. The bill gets looked over, it may have changes made in a special committee and then voted on. If it passes, it is sent to a conference committee to compare the changes made by both houses. If everyone agrees, as in majority rules, the bill is sent to the president to be signed. He can sign it and make it into a law, veto it or take no action and leave the decision up to congress. If the bill is vetoed by the president, it can be sent back to do the entire process again but if enough members of congress disagree with the veto then the bill is taken to override. If both houses can get two-thirds of it's members to vote to override the president, the bill becomes a law. On the other hand, if the president signs the bill, it becomes a law.
You don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.
http://clerkkids.house.gov/laws/bill_begin.html
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Electoral College
The electoral college is simply a group of 538 electors who directly vote for the presidential candidates. The electors are chosen in each state and the number of electors for each state is determined by that states population. This was laid out in the U.S Constitution and the 12th Amendment.
http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/faq.html
http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/faq.html
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