In looking to the differences between mainstream media and alternative media, I found that I was far more attracted to the alternative media. They tend to push the envelope more. Instead of worrying about their sponsors there can be more of an opportunity to say exactly what is on their minds, instead of simply reporting perhaps only one carefully constructed side of the news.
The article “Dwarfing the Tsunami”, by David Edwards, I found was very explicit. He not only touched on the disastrous effects of the December 26 tsunami, but then continued to contrast it with the over-indulgence of people during the Christmas season. Instead of people celebrating Christmas, they are consumed with the insatiable need to spend, as they greedily claw their way through shopping stores. On the other side of the coin, December 26 dawned bringing absolute destruction to many people’s lives. Also, Edwards did an excellent job of analyzing the facts and peering deeper into the issue at hand and its effects on people.
At the end of Edwards’ article he also states that “The goal of Media Lens is to promote rationality, compassion and respect for others. In writing letters to journalists, we strongly urge readers to maintain a polite, non-aggressive and non-abusive tone.” This told me that to a certain extent, the member s of Media Lens are passionate about the truthful and direct media coverage, which I found slightly reassuring in a time of news framing.
Comparatively, the mainstream media only reported on the factual information of the tsunami. They did not critically evaluate the information given them. It was simply cold, hard facts. But the fact of the matter is, people are not facts, they are living, breathing entities that are far more complex than a bunch of statistics.
Therefore, I found that the alternative lens of media was far more intellectually stretching and stimulating, in comparison to the factually based mainstream media.
Alternative: “Dwarfing the Tsunami - A Warning”
By David Edwards
Media Lens
http://www.zmag.org/altmediawatch.htm
Mainstream: “Dec. 26 Tsunami Swept Away Thousands”
By Michael Stittle
CTV news
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20051220/tsunami_feature_one_051220/20051220/
Monday, November 19, 2007
Throne Speech
Commitment: to justice, equality and freedom. These are the things that we as Canadians truly hold dear. The people who uphold this freedom, we as Canadians should honour with our utmost respect.
With this, the throne speech began. Initiatives were outlined in the throne speech. The first was “Strong Leadership: A Better Canada”. To continue to grow as a country and further the legacy that Canadians have built, we need to have a strong government that will set goals and achieve them.
Five Initiatives for the New Government:
- Strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and place in the world;
A northern strategy is going to be implemented to study the Artic. As Canadians, we are said to be bound to the “blue rim of the ocean.” Also, Canada has joined together with the United Nations-sanctioned mission to Afghanistan to help maintain order and security, so that the children of Afghanistan may be able to go to school without fear.
- Build a stronger federation;
Next year will mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City. The French culture of Canada is one of the foundations of our country, and unity within Canada is key to the health of our country. Canada is also going to focus on redirecting its gaze on strengthening trade, defence, public safety and security.
- Provide effective economic leadership;
While times are rough, economically and otherwise, Canada understands theses challenges and wants to have a government that is a strong manager of the economy.
- Continue to tackle crime;
Peace, order and good government. These are the foundations of our country. An iron-clad Tackling Violent Crime bill is going to be introduced to help Canadians feel more safe and secure in their own communities.
- Improve our environment;
Climate change is a crucial issue that needs to me immediately addressed not only at home, but globally. Canada plans to help in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in our own backyard and abroad.
Canada is a strong country, full of potential and promise. The people of Canada are what make it so great. We as Canadians have a duty not only to ourselves, but to build a prosperous future for generations to come.
With this, the throne speech began. Initiatives were outlined in the throne speech. The first was “Strong Leadership: A Better Canada”. To continue to grow as a country and further the legacy that Canadians have built, we need to have a strong government that will set goals and achieve them.
Five Initiatives for the New Government:
- Strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and place in the world;
A northern strategy is going to be implemented to study the Artic. As Canadians, we are said to be bound to the “blue rim of the ocean.” Also, Canada has joined together with the United Nations-sanctioned mission to Afghanistan to help maintain order and security, so that the children of Afghanistan may be able to go to school without fear.
- Build a stronger federation;
Next year will mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City. The French culture of Canada is one of the foundations of our country, and unity within Canada is key to the health of our country. Canada is also going to focus on redirecting its gaze on strengthening trade, defence, public safety and security.
- Provide effective economic leadership;
While times are rough, economically and otherwise, Canada understands theses challenges and wants to have a government that is a strong manager of the economy.
- Continue to tackle crime;
Peace, order and good government. These are the foundations of our country. An iron-clad Tackling Violent Crime bill is going to be introduced to help Canadians feel more safe and secure in their own communities.
- Improve our environment;
Climate change is a crucial issue that needs to me immediately addressed not only at home, but globally. Canada plans to help in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in our own backyard and abroad.
Canada is a strong country, full of potential and promise. The people of Canada are what make it so great. We as Canadians have a duty not only to ourselves, but to build a prosperous future for generations to come.
Neighbourhood Profile - Jesse Ferguson
Moving on and moving up. This is Jesse Ferguson’s vibrant outlook on life after his life changing accident two and a half years ago.
After getting into the drivers seat to drive a few girlfriends to a party in Glen Morris, a terrible snow storm erupted and Jesse lost control of the car. Doctors diagnosed that he had received severe trauma to his head. As a result, Jesse lost all of his physical mechanics, causing him to have difficultly with once thoughtless tasks.
Through the hardship though, Jesse has stayed optimistic as he surges forward and begins his university career at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Jesse yearns to move on from the accident and get on with his life. His outlook is one of strong determination. He is a very honest, down-to-earth person. “Don’t worry about honesty” he says “I got that covered”. With this kind of attitude, Jesse has been able make friends easily wherever he goes. He claims to love the girls and is as “smooth as anything.”
With a bright smile Jesse gushes about his love of sports. Even though he cannot fully participate in the sports he loves, Jesse is still an avid watcher of the NHL, NFL, NBA and MBL.
Through it all, Jesse’s outlook on his circumstances has been anything but ordinary. His gusto for life and never ending passion to experience all that life has to offer him is an inspiration to all.
After getting into the drivers seat to drive a few girlfriends to a party in Glen Morris, a terrible snow storm erupted and Jesse lost control of the car. Doctors diagnosed that he had received severe trauma to his head. As a result, Jesse lost all of his physical mechanics, causing him to have difficultly with once thoughtless tasks.
Through the hardship though, Jesse has stayed optimistic as he surges forward and begins his university career at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Jesse yearns to move on from the accident and get on with his life. His outlook is one of strong determination. He is a very honest, down-to-earth person. “Don’t worry about honesty” he says “I got that covered”. With this kind of attitude, Jesse has been able make friends easily wherever he goes. He claims to love the girls and is as “smooth as anything.”
With a bright smile Jesse gushes about his love of sports. Even though he cannot fully participate in the sports he loves, Jesse is still an avid watcher of the NHL, NFL, NBA and MBL.
Through it all, Jesse’s outlook on his circumstances has been anything but ordinary. His gusto for life and never ending passion to experience all that life has to offer him is an inspiration to all.
Election Night Reflection
Tonight tensions were high as the Progressive Conservative Party awaited the results from the poles. As I stood there and observed the scene around me I was at first intimidated and then invigorated. Although the night got off to a slow start, various campaign workers started to pour in. Feeling that there was no time like the present, I quickly got out my notepad and went to work. I had the chance to interview Ron Dancey who was the Co-Campaign Manager for Dan McCreary. He was very opinionated on the matter of the Referendum. He truly does not believe that the public is ready for it. He believes that John Tory is either “ahead or behind the public” in regard to introducing the Referendum.
As we watched, the results of the campaign began to filter in. Quickly we discovered that not only had Dan McCreary lost in Brant, but that John Tory was unsuccessful in unseating Premier Dalton McGuinty. McGuinty showed considerable strength at the poling stations as he won in his riding and began to win elsewhere, including Brant.
At one point, it seemed as if John Tory would have trouble simply winning in his own riding. Truly, the Conservatives seemed to be on a downward spiral most of the night. As Dan McCreary entered Moose Winooski’s at around 11:00 pm he told everyone that he was very proud of the people that had worked with him on the campaign and that “ we could not have done any better” although, “we went down in flames all throughout Ontario.” With a grin McCreary optimistically told the crowd that “Nothing bodes better for PC than four more years of McGuinty.” This, I thought, was exactly the optimistic attitude that was needed to end off a disappointing night for McCreary.
Overall I found election night invigorating. It truly forced me to jump out of my comfort zone. Usually I am a very outgoing person, but the election seemed to intimidate me. Knowing that I had to quickly overcome this fear in order to be successful and complete the task set before me, I began to pull more people aside. As I spoke to people the illusion of intimidation that I had set for myself began to melt away. The questions flowed and the pleasant manner in which people greeted my questions helped me to open up journalistically.
I know that not all reporting will be pleasant and that in being a reporter one must ask the hard questions and be ready for the rude responses, but perhaps that is part of the allure of the profession. As journalists we have the ability to formulate informed questions and demand answers from the people that count. Tonight was a very eye-opening experience for me. I learned that being a journalist means not being afraid to get your hands dirty, there is no time to be shy, or the opportunities will just pass you by.
As we watched, the results of the campaign began to filter in. Quickly we discovered that not only had Dan McCreary lost in Brant, but that John Tory was unsuccessful in unseating Premier Dalton McGuinty. McGuinty showed considerable strength at the poling stations as he won in his riding and began to win elsewhere, including Brant.
At one point, it seemed as if John Tory would have trouble simply winning in his own riding. Truly, the Conservatives seemed to be on a downward spiral most of the night. As Dan McCreary entered Moose Winooski’s at around 11:00 pm he told everyone that he was very proud of the people that had worked with him on the campaign and that “ we could not have done any better” although, “we went down in flames all throughout Ontario.” With a grin McCreary optimistically told the crowd that “Nothing bodes better for PC than four more years of McGuinty.” This, I thought, was exactly the optimistic attitude that was needed to end off a disappointing night for McCreary.
Overall I found election night invigorating. It truly forced me to jump out of my comfort zone. Usually I am a very outgoing person, but the election seemed to intimidate me. Knowing that I had to quickly overcome this fear in order to be successful and complete the task set before me, I began to pull more people aside. As I spoke to people the illusion of intimidation that I had set for myself began to melt away. The questions flowed and the pleasant manner in which people greeted my questions helped me to open up journalistically.
I know that not all reporting will be pleasant and that in being a reporter one must ask the hard questions and be ready for the rude responses, but perhaps that is part of the allure of the profession. As journalists we have the ability to formulate informed questions and demand answers from the people that count. Tonight was a very eye-opening experience for me. I learned that being a journalist means not being afraid to get your hands dirty, there is no time to be shy, or the opportunities will just pass you by.
Al Gore, Future President?
And the Nobel Peace Prize goes to, Al Gore.
Pardon? This was the reaction of many people when they found out that Al Gore and the U.N. intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change won the Nobel Peace Prize for their work in creating awareness of the effects and immanency of the effects of climate change.
Many people are on the fence. Whether Al Gore deserved to win the Nobel Peace Prize is debatable. Al Gore was simply a spokesperson, there were many people behind the scenes working laboriously to determine the effects of climate change on the environment and our world as we know it.
There is also a theory circulating that Al Gore is simply using climate change as a platform to gain votes and run in the next presidential election. When asked in press conference Al Gore denied these claims.
An Inconvenient Truth has been criticized by many as been “junk science” or an exaggeration of the facts. British judge Burton claims that there are at least “10 errors” in the novel.
In the same breath though, many people have said that "He is probably the single individual who has done most to create greater worldwide understanding of the measures that need to be adopted." Because of his passion for climate change and outspoken attitude, Al Gore has helped to create unprecedented media coverage and support in the fight to take preventative measures.
As climate change continues to permeate the news, it seems as if Al Gore with still be in the forefront, campaigning against the disastrous effects of global warming. Whether or not Al Gore deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, depends on one’s perspective.
Pardon? This was the reaction of many people when they found out that Al Gore and the U.N. intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change won the Nobel Peace Prize for their work in creating awareness of the effects and immanency of the effects of climate change.
Many people are on the fence. Whether Al Gore deserved to win the Nobel Peace Prize is debatable. Al Gore was simply a spokesperson, there were many people behind the scenes working laboriously to determine the effects of climate change on the environment and our world as we know it.
There is also a theory circulating that Al Gore is simply using climate change as a platform to gain votes and run in the next presidential election. When asked in press conference Al Gore denied these claims.
An Inconvenient Truth has been criticized by many as been “junk science” or an exaggeration of the facts. British judge Burton claims that there are at least “10 errors” in the novel.
In the same breath though, many people have said that "He is probably the single individual who has done most to create greater worldwide understanding of the measures that need to be adopted." Because of his passion for climate change and outspoken attitude, Al Gore has helped to create unprecedented media coverage and support in the fight to take preventative measures.
As climate change continues to permeate the news, it seems as if Al Gore with still be in the forefront, campaigning against the disastrous effects of global warming. Whether or not Al Gore deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, depends on one’s perspective.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Candidate Profile - Dan McCreary
-Restore Accountability, Transparency and Fairness
BrienneTorley
Oct.10/07
Dan McCreary has a passion for the County of Brant; it permeates every facet of his electoral initiatives. His passionate declarations range from improving healthcare to providing a better future for children, Dan McCreary the Conservative candidate for Brant riding has many strong initiatives he wants to see implemented.
Among the list he will strive to make our communities safer with effective gun control, by implementing a “tough and practical” approach. Having served as the Vice Chair on the Brantford Police Services Board, McCreary also wants to see increased enforcement on laws and greater resources for victims of crime.
Having served as Chair of Brant County’s Health Unit for the past two years McCreary also wants to see Brantford Healthcare providers benefit from federally sponsored initiatives and have guaranteed timely access in at least one of the primary areas of cancer care, hip and knee replacement, cardiac care, diagnostic imaging, cataract surgery and primary care.
A better future for the children of Brant County is also very important to McCreary. He would like to see family and children-centred organizations opened. Current examples include St. Leonard’s Federal funded shelter which provides transitional housing and counselling services for teenage girls.
Under Premier Dalton McGuinty's leadership, Dan McCreary says that the County of Brant has lost over 1,000 jobs in manufacturing in the past year. He says that "now is the time for change."
Dan McCreary was born in Brantford where he was schooled until attending the University of Toronto and graduated in 1979. He lived in Toronto and Calgary until 1990 when he returned to Brantford where he operated a successful contract cleaning company. Having an emphasis placed on community involvement, McCreary has also been a member of the Brantford Heritage Committee, the Community Advisory Committee on Disability Issues and a City Council Delegate to the Brantford-Brant Chamber of Commerce. As well as serving on the Board of Directors of the Brant Community Care Access Centre.
With an interest in reporting the news McCreary also wrote for the City Beat political column and for the Brantford Expositor for five years.
BrienneTorley
Oct.10/07
Dan McCreary has a passion for the County of Brant; it permeates every facet of his electoral initiatives. His passionate declarations range from improving healthcare to providing a better future for children, Dan McCreary the Conservative candidate for Brant riding has many strong initiatives he wants to see implemented.
Among the list he will strive to make our communities safer with effective gun control, by implementing a “tough and practical” approach. Having served as the Vice Chair on the Brantford Police Services Board, McCreary also wants to see increased enforcement on laws and greater resources for victims of crime.
Having served as Chair of Brant County’s Health Unit for the past two years McCreary also wants to see Brantford Healthcare providers benefit from federally sponsored initiatives and have guaranteed timely access in at least one of the primary areas of cancer care, hip and knee replacement, cardiac care, diagnostic imaging, cataract surgery and primary care.
A better future for the children of Brant County is also very important to McCreary. He would like to see family and children-centred organizations opened. Current examples include St. Leonard’s Federal funded shelter which provides transitional housing and counselling services for teenage girls.
Under Premier Dalton McGuinty's leadership, Dan McCreary says that the County of Brant has lost over 1,000 jobs in manufacturing in the past year. He says that "now is the time for change."
Dan McCreary was born in Brantford where he was schooled until attending the University of Toronto and graduated in 1979. He lived in Toronto and Calgary until 1990 when he returned to Brantford where he operated a successful contract cleaning company. Having an emphasis placed on community involvement, McCreary has also been a member of the Brantford Heritage Committee, the Community Advisory Committee on Disability Issues and a City Council Delegate to the Brantford-Brant Chamber of Commerce. As well as serving on the Board of Directors of the Brant Community Care Access Centre.
With an interest in reporting the news McCreary also wrote for the City Beat political column and for the Brantford Expositor for five years.
Monday, October 29, 2007
"Fire Ravages Beach House"
I’ll bet that headline caught your attention. There are two things that I automatically think when I see this article. One, I love the vocabulary used. “Ravages” it is such a strong word, full of raw emotion. Also, when I think of a beach house, I think of vacation, a paradise, where people can get away from the every day stress of life and rejuvenate. But with the descriptive word “Fire”, the pretense of peace and solitude is erased.
The author of the article artfully begins the piece by setting the scene. “An early morning fire ravaged a beach house occupied by more than a dozen students yesterday, killing seven and sending several to the hospital.” The reader immediately is filled with pity and emotion for several reasons. The people affected are young. They are in university, full of hope and expectation, on the cusp of life, and before it could begin, their life is snatched away from them. Also, if the reader is older, or has children, they can identify with the parents of the children, therefore, sharing in their pain and terror.
Following the introduction, the reporter had a quote from an eye-witness. Here raw emotion is described as he explains that “There were three kids sitting on the ground screaming.” Not only does the man use the word “Kids”, which makes the fire so much more disastrous because it is affecting the young and helpless, but in this one quote the reader is able to visualize the scene that the quote has set; children, young and defenseless, sitting on the curb screaming in terror as they watch their house burn down, with close friends still barricaded inside.
As for the structure of the story, Briana Brough began the article with the story, emotionally luring readers in. Then about halfway through the article, she began delivering the facts. Answering the 5 Ws she told readers when the fire began, where it took place and where it was located, who was involved, where they went to school, etc.
Brough presents an unbiased view of the story. Because the inhabitants of the house are college students, one might presumably infer that it was the student’s fault, and blame their age, the lack of responsibility in today’s youth or a plethora of other excuses. Instead, she cultivates the event into an emotionally raw, yet informational piece that does not blame anyone for the tragedy, but rather reports it as her profession requires.
The author of the article artfully begins the piece by setting the scene. “An early morning fire ravaged a beach house occupied by more than a dozen students yesterday, killing seven and sending several to the hospital.” The reader immediately is filled with pity and emotion for several reasons. The people affected are young. They are in university, full of hope and expectation, on the cusp of life, and before it could begin, their life is snatched away from them. Also, if the reader is older, or has children, they can identify with the parents of the children, therefore, sharing in their pain and terror.
Following the introduction, the reporter had a quote from an eye-witness. Here raw emotion is described as he explains that “There were three kids sitting on the ground screaming.” Not only does the man use the word “Kids”, which makes the fire so much more disastrous because it is affecting the young and helpless, but in this one quote the reader is able to visualize the scene that the quote has set; children, young and defenseless, sitting on the curb screaming in terror as they watch their house burn down, with close friends still barricaded inside.
As for the structure of the story, Briana Brough began the article with the story, emotionally luring readers in. Then about halfway through the article, she began delivering the facts. Answering the 5 Ws she told readers when the fire began, where it took place and where it was located, who was involved, where they went to school, etc.
Brough presents an unbiased view of the story. Because the inhabitants of the house are college students, one might presumably infer that it was the student’s fault, and blame their age, the lack of responsibility in today’s youth or a plethora of other excuses. Instead, she cultivates the event into an emotionally raw, yet informational piece that does not blame anyone for the tragedy, but rather reports it as her profession requires.
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