McShea Report

Professor McShea’s “In the Age of the IPhone,” was my first journalism class I had ever taken and it made me change my entire outlook on journalism as a whole. First entering this class I did not realize how forward journalism was moving, and how much technology was taking over this realm of news casting. This class made me much more open about social media because prior to it I barely used Twitter and now I find myself checking my account daily and following more people to stay updated. The start-ups before class were somewhat nerve-racking because as a sophomore I feel as if I forgot how public speaking felt! However, it allowed me to overcome that fear and I felt proud of myself at the end of my start-up. 

The weekly blog posts I would as a teacher continue doing because it kept me up-to-date with the world around me. As I entered college, I noticed that I began to fall behind with the news, whether it was local or world. However, this class had me looking at various news websites and actually sit down see search and see what was going on with the world around me. I find myself wanting to stay informed more and this is an aspect of this class that I will take away with me. My favorite part of this class was attending the boys’ basketball sports banquet. It was on the scene and I felt like a real reporter, it had my adrenaline going! I felt as if I missed a photo or tweet I was going to be behind, but I loved every part of it. Another part of this class I favored was bringing our guest speaker, Craig Kanalley, he was very informative and made me realize if you want to get somewhere in the journalism word you’re going to have to work for what you want and that is exactly what I plan to do! I would suggest bringing another public speaker because I truly enjoyed Mr. Kanalley!

My least favorite part of this class were the readings, I believe there could be more interesting ones selected and even more topics to discuss in class. As for writing assignments, I enjoyed being challenged to go out and cover a scene.  This challenged made me step out of my comfort level and be the one to ask the questions and force myself to receive the answers that I needed as a “reporter.” This class has prepared me I believe for my internship this summer because I have a lot more confidence in myself as an interviewer, writer and blogger. Thank you for an awesome semester!!!

Dance to Your Own Beat

When music hits the body, it’s an instant reaction that your body desires to move. I love dancing and I one thing I know about it is that is a universal language.

 Being Latina, I grew up within two worlds, my Spanish side as well as American. I learned how to dance by standing on my father’s feet following his steps to Spanish music. Being involuntary forced to dance when I was younger with my family was probably the best thing that could have ever been forced from me. Looking back I can only laugh about it because in a way it seemed like dancing was a “rite of passage,” for my family.

Fortunately, today I have the confidence to dance with anyone because when I listen to music and watch various forms of dance, I see it as a way to build special relationships, whether it is with significant others or even complete strangers. It can either be intimate or friendly, but it's purpose is to connect an internal emotion with external beats, harmonies and sounds.

Dance is an art that anyone can perfect to their own beat. Having this Latin upbringing, I believe it has largely helped to form who I am today. Music is a part of my everyday life that has had a large impact on me as a young adult. Being young and having this energy and physical capability to dance is truly fascinating. Being able to dance to the different kinds of Latin dance has helped to me find rhythm in all genres of music. I have been able to see people’s confidence grow through music and dance. I firmly believed dance is a form of expression that everyone must attempt because the difference between dancing and other things is that you cannot fail.

I couldn't agree more with one of Lykke Li's contagious songs says, "having trouble telling how I feel, but I can dance, dance, dance..."

The amount of emotions running through one’s body in that moment is a beautiful work of art being painted on the dance floor; it’s a live progress painting and when you're done you feel as if you aren't. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, anyone and everyone can dance. Finding the rhymes within music is something I love to be apart of and see people find.

One person that encourages me to find that beat is my friend Brandon Gonzalez, he always is dancing and just watching him dance makes you feel happy and makes you want to join, please watch. :)

Rob Alvaro

Photo by Victoria Benitez & article by Chelsea Bahk

Sources:

1. http://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-news/2014/4/19/5631726/jim-kelly-buffalo-bills-ownership-despite-cancer

2. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/science/space/keplers-tally-of-planets.html?_r=0

3. http://www.buzzfeed.com/mrloganrhoades/this-millionaire-playboy-is-the-most-interesting-man-on-inst

Rob's first article was about Jim Kelly, former quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, who has been diagnosed with cancer in March, but still plans to go through with plans to buy the Bills.

Rob's second article is an interactive New York Times piece that shows all the planets that were discovered by NASA's Kepler mission and are orbiting distant stars.  Rob pointed out that there was a planet that is similar in size to Earth that's been discovered, and it is in the "habitable zone."

Rob's third article, from Buzzfeed, provides a look into the life of one of the rich and famous, Dan Bilzerian, and does it entirely through his Instagram pictures (and captions by the Buzzfeed writer).  He is a poker player whose account chronicles the most extravagant lifestyle - the stereotypical quintessential life of a man, full of expensive cars, guns, and hordes of women.

Behind Google Glass

This past Tuesday, April 15th, Google Glass went on sale to the public for $1,500. However, there have been many negative opinion articles putting down this new and upcoming revolutionary invention. Paul Saffo from CNN, writes, "Google Glass is doomed to become a clunky eBay collectible..." Now that Google Glass is on the market, competing developers are now looking to make newer designs and better apps to improve this first generation model. With this new age of technology, our generation's privacy is more susceptible to shrink. Reading this article has me curious to see where the world of technology will soon take us!



Google Glass article

Regulations on Ethnic Hair

Earlier this month the Congressional Black Caucus sent a letter to the Defense Secutary in hopes of further revisions within army regulations for ethnic hair. In recent revised regulations, it is said that black women may wear their hair natural in twists or braids, however, they must be no bigger than a quarter-inch in diameter. Black women members of the caucus have spoken out against these regulations, one even stated, "African American women have often been required to meet unreasonable norms as it relates to acceptable standards of grooming in the workplace." Although, these regulations are not meant to target anyone many women have complained against them. These regulation's main purpose is to have a "more professional looking" army, however, petitions have been signed and debates have begun for further review of professional ethnic hairstyles. 

http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2014/04/11/301509842/congressional-black-caucus-urges-rethink-of-army-hair-rules

"Difference and Sameness"

The best thing I read this past week was a photograph series by a Beijing-based photographer, Gao Rongguo. He spent some times photographing various identical twins over the age of 50 by capturing the "difference and sameness" as the writer, Priscilla Frank, perfectly described. As mentioned within the article, Rongguo's inspiration for his works was a quote by St. Augustine's "Confessions" that states, "People born at the same time, differ in the temperament and fate." Thinking about quote I found it to be bittersweet, butI think Rongguo beautifully portrayed that in his series. Although, twins may hold the same physical makeup the process of aging eventually takes its own path, which is makes life unforeseen and beautiful in it's own way.



*Source*

Feminists for the Win

The best thing I read over break was an interesting viewpoint coming from a couple that defined their relationship to be "feminist." The writer, Amanda Chatel, briefly explains her relationship with her fiancé, Olivier, in a list of eight reasons why once you find a feminist man, you'll never going back! While reading this list, accompanied by various gifs including one of the most famous girl powered woman to date, Beyonce and humorous quotes, such as coming from the movie Mean Girls, I couldn't help but want to relate to it.

I believe reason 2. He doesn't subscribe to gender stereotypes in our relationship, had me rethink about how much it gave light to how honest these "gender roles" still play a big part of this society. Although, it may not be the 1950's, these "roles" are still present and as a young woman in today's world I don't have to be married to recognize that. While reading this article, it highlighted many important aspects of a healthy relationship and what possibly could be lacking in yours. For one, having serious discussions is vital to keeping a relationship alive and honest, without such good opinionated talks with your partner versus bad, can lead to a happier life or open simply Pandora's box.

Make sure to check out the rest of the list! <--(CLICK!)

Last but not least, I'll end this post with a reminder of who runs this world... (;

Buffalo's Top "Tweeter"

Expert of all things Sabres, Craig Kanalley, a Buffalo native and graduate of John Fisher College is today's Social Media Manager for the Buffalo’s hometown hockey team visited University at Buffalo's English 399 class to discuss and share his experience of his field of work. His main focus in graduate school was social media and not once did he believe he would land his dream job. From the Hudson plane crash to Barack Obama’s inauguration back in 2009, as a the “baby” of social media, back then Twitter began to make a name for itself in the world of journalism with its quick 140 character messages.  Quickly climbing the social media platform from building his own blog, Breaking Tweets, Kanalley, brought together tweets that informed the public with the latest news.

​Like most bloggers, Kanalley, started his blog for his own entertainment to practice his writing. At first, he posted three times a day and once he grew more popularity he soon was posting more frequently, from seven to eight posts per day. Soon enough friends of Kanalley began to help him once his blog’s traffic grew within in the journalism community. In June of 2009, during the Iran election protests, Breaking Tweets, traffic skyrocketed when his sources from Iran provided him direct information that various news platforms could not receive due to its ban within the country. As one of the first as Kanalley stated, “media outlets” to break direct the news from Iran certainly  helped his personal blog gain immense recognition from bigger news media.

​Eventually, his everyday fun soon enough became a job offer with The Huffington Post, as a traffic and trends editor for three years. Today, Kanalley works as the Buffalo Sabres Social Media Manager, applying first as a joke, Kanalley states that working for Buffalo's home hockey team is a dream and that he never thought he would have been offered such a position.  “You always have to be ready for change,” stated Kanalley, when presented with a new job at The Huffington Post, having to start at the bottom was tough. When asked what were somethings he wished he could change about current journalism practices he quickly shook his head seeming eager to answer.  The blurring between the news explained by Kanalley was an aspect of today’s news that bothers him.  As a “traditional journalism believer,”  he has been able to realize as stated,  "the blurring between public relations, marketing and journalism."  He further explained how there is a bigger push in today's media for entertainment, such as celebrities constantly promoting themselves. This mixing of entertainment and actual currents events have become a competition to gain recognition on news platforms. Having this media mix is not allowing the news to make a division in the world of journalism and entertainment , which in turn are allowing these unimportant reports to become news stories.

Although, the fear of his social media job may disappear, Kanalley is always looking forward to what can possibly be next for him. For now, he continues to be the Sabres biggest fan tweeting updates for his Buffalo's community and for all hockey team lovers.  

(Image Source: Twitter)

'Made in Bangladesh' causes a stir

 This past week American Apparel released their latest ad of a former-Muslim model, Maks, with the words, "Made in Bangladesh," written across her chest. Maks, is a current merchandiser for this company since 2010 and according to American Apparel representatives stated that Maks fully "unreservedly embraced," the photo shoot. However, critics have quickly put down the ad and has caused quite a big controversy within the public, as they have claimed it for its "distasteful" use of her body. Personally, this ad is over the top and it is the wrong way to sell clothing. Seriously, jeans? What jeans are they even trying to sell in this photo?! Although, Maks grew up in America for most of her life, the words written across her chest represent women that are Muslim and from Bangladesh in a underlining way. It is a shame that a company that deliberately makes claims to being sweatshop free and based in Los Angelos has to receive attention for their line of clothing through very provocative shoots. As someone who is familiar with how they campaign, I don't believe it was necessary to mention that she left the Muslim culture when they released a statement about the ad. American Apparel does have a head turning way of campaigning, but it's what makes people open their wallets.

Other head turning news from AA:

American Apparel's 62-Year-Old Lingerie Model

"Beauty does not have an expiration date."

Best Thing I Read This Week Article

U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A.!

From scenic canoe rides in Minnesota to jazz filled nights inside a "movie-theater-turned-concert-hall," the good ole United States has a lot more to offer than the dollar menu at McDonald's. The best thing I read this week was this online article titled, "This Is The ONE Thing You Must Do In Each U.S. State," by the Huffington Post, a thrilling exciting article for any travel enthusiast!

(Canoe the Boundary Waters- Minnesota)

(Balloon Glow-New Mexico)

One event that caught my eye was the Balloon Glow that is known throughout the world that takes place here in New Mexico. This air balloon even is the largest in the world that has the sky filled with hundreds of balloons throughout the day! It is a weekend event that takes place in October, that costs around $300 for a ride that will be a  lifelong memory. 

(Drive State Route 1 - California) 

This online article grabbed my attention from the start with all the photographs of places, food and events that each state has to offer. I find it interesting how as Americans we are always looking for places outside our own country to travel to when our own home has so much to offer! Looking at this article makes me want to travel more throughout the U.S. and I definitely will be adding a few of these places on my bucket list!

Huffington Post

Latino Loving!

 Saturday night Student Union’s room 330 was occupied with college men and women searching for some love! Latin American Student Association held a dating game show modeled after the notorious Telemundo television show called, Doce Corazones. There were two parts of the show which included three men hoping to find a special lady from a group of 12 girls; following the first part, three women were search on a man for themselves, too. The night was filled with sexual innuendo, unstoppable laughter and tons of Latin love! 



The first round had the men running across the stage in search of their partner’s “hole” to stick their toilet cleaners in. Once the toilet paper was transferred onto their “stick” they had to run back across stage and drop the paper into the basket. Afterwards, there were a series of questions for both sexes to answer leading up to an elimination round. The second game involved some balloon popping with a side of some hip thrusting. Let’s just say there were a lot of balloons popped that night. Finishing the first part of the show two guys walked away with a date and one unfortunately walked home solo.

The next round was definitely a bit more playful and quite naughty! The first game refereed to “The Anaconda,” it was a race between the girls.  The boys had to sit down while the girls pumped air into the long sized balloons, once the balloon exploded the next person was up. The girls surely got their jobs done!  Similar to the first part the game held a questionnaire and elimination. Following the rejections and broken hearts, the best part of the show was saved for last. At this point of the show, the guys were instructed to show off their special talents. Jackets were coming off, shirts became unbuttoned and blindfolds were initiated! The audience became alive during this round and the room only became hotter. The lap dances were more than impressive and enjoyable to watch, luckily some were recorded! ;) During this round everyone walked away happy with a prize and a special date.

From the food to the crowd, Latin American Student Association is a very diverse club filled with an audience that seems to love to have a good time. The music made any amateur want to dance and the food was beyond delectable; provided by Niagara Café, one of Buffalo’s best known Puerto Rican restaurants. LASA (Latin American Student Association) holds Latin Socials weekly in the Flag room in Student Union every Tuesday at 8 p.m. and general body meetings every Thursday at 5 p.m. 

Best thing I ate this week

Lately all that I can dream of is the summer sun hitting my face and backyard barbecues accompanied by my closed loved ones. Ever since starting college family time has seemed to decrease and life's side aspirations and deadlines have somehow become first on my priority list. Recently time has always on a crunch and with everyone's schedules not matching up yesterday I was finally able to go out to dinner with my family. Spending time with them might sound like a minor everyday event but it meant a lot to me, it reminded me of how much I had missed simply being around them. My family and I went to Bonefish Grill located in the the Boulevard Mall and I ordered Pumpkin Ravioli and Baja Fish Tacos for dinner and for dessert I couldn't pass up their Crème brûlée. It was an odd mix of food but delicious in every way! I couldn't help but look for a recipe once I arrived home and looking and it, it is a perfect college meal that is quick, easy and nutritious! (recipe provided by mango.org)

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

15-20 minutes

Ingredients

	MANGO SALSA
2	large ripe mangos, peeled, pitted and chopped
1/4	cup minced red bell pepper
1	tablespoon lime juice
1	tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2	green onions, sliced (green tops only)
1	small jalapeno pepper, stem, seeds and membrane removed
	TACOS
1	pound cod fillets, rinsed and patted dry
1	teaspoon chili powder
1/2	teaspoon ground cumin
1/2	teaspoon Mexican oregano
1/2	teaspoon garlic salt
8	corn tortillas, warmed
2	cups shredded green or red cabbage
1/2	cup crumbled cotija cheese (may substitute shredded Monterey Jack)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Stir together mango, bell pepper, lime juice, cilantro, onions and jalapeno in a medium bowl; set aside. Place cod on 2 large sheets of parchment paper. Stir together dry seasonings in a small bowl and sprinkle over cod. Bring edges of parchment paper together and fold twice. Fold ends under to enclose fish. Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Open packets carefully to let steam escape. Place equal amounts of cod in each tortilla and top with cabbage, cheese and mango salsa.

Nutrition

Nutrition per serving: 337 calories (21% calories from fat), 8 g total fat, 65 mg cholesterol, 285 mg sodium, 45 g carbohydrates, 7 g fiber, 29 g protein - See more at: http://www.mango.org/recipe/baja-fish-tacos-mango-salsa#sthash.NddOSAQS.dpuf

Servings: four

- See more at: Mango Baja Fish Tacos

Art and the Self

Best Thing I Read This Week
(^click link)

Lately, I have been on this art kick and as an art junkie and enthusiast I’m guilty of over analyzing almost everything in my life. However, more recently I have been over drilling myself with articles to books to music I come across somehow relating it back to my own personal life. Whether it is an eye-catching mural or crappy abstract graffiti filled wall to a two-dimensional piece in a museum I find myself wanting to more. While reading this article it made sense it was almost as if something clicked within me. I found out that it wasn't the art or the music I was looking at or listening to for an answer, it was me. I was examining me this whole time. I couldn't agree more with the idea of art giving one sometimes unfathomable feelings; feelings that self-analyze and stimulate that flame within us. Our desires and displeasures are engraved in everything around us; it is just waiting for us to take that moment to look at them in a different light.

The Best Thing I read this week

http://hyperallergic.com/104347/the-art-worlds-casual-racism/

The best/worst thing I read this week was a controversial issue that came up within the past week that I heard about but wanted to take the time to look a bit further into the details.  On Martin Luther King, Jr’s Day an article was published that featured an image that made headline news, at least within the art world. This article featured an elite socialite, Dasha Zhukova, sitting on a “piece of artwork,” that was more attention grabbing than your average newspaper cover.

Zhukova was pictured sitting on a black woman mannequin that is presented to be lying on her back topless with heeled boots up in a position that is quite PG-13. While reading further into the article this artwork was part of a series that was a tribute to a pop sculptor, however, this artist used women of color, unlike its original artist.

After hitting the news in an unfortunate way apologies were sent out and the public seemed to only continuously bash the article. I just believe the timing of this release, especially on one of the most profound holidays was just disregarded at all cost. I am not against the article or the gallery because nowadays there’s not limit to one’s expression. Art is art. The artworks are can seem offensive and clearly objectify women especially when a white woman is put into the picture but it also could be completely taken out of context when both are combined. Without the white woman it would just be a mannequin chair part of a collection in a gallery. 

My favorite place

Growing up as an only child I have grown to attach myself to certain places fairly quickly. Whether it is due to my quick understanding of how much I like a place or not, I have always been that person to go with my gut feeling. My connection with particular locations and people I have noticed is something I like to deeply analyze. Travel is not only a passion but it is a form of dedication. However, the comfort of your home is hard to find as well as replicate and that is why my home is my favorite place.

 As a young girl and adult I have been blessed with many opportunities to travel, see and experience cities and countries one can only dream of. The unknown adventure that travel brings is exciting and sometimes nerve-racking; it’s a thrill I personally live for.  But coming home after hours of being stuck in coach wishing you were in first class is pretty relieving. The familiarity of my home and the aromas from my mother's kitchen that seem to be forever enclosed are calming and always warm welcoming.

From the ever so genius thoughts that I believe in that cross my mind during late nights to the books that never stop stacking themselves on my floor; as much as a travel junkie that I am, I am a homebody and I am okay with that.  My room is my private studio of endless imagination and messy dreams I hope to one day obtain.  It’s my place of security some never seem to find. 

2/2/2014