Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Feature: John McCain

This is my feature, Round Two;

In Vanity Fair, John McCain was the subject of this story by Todd S. Purdum.

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/02/mccain200702

Not Your Average Monday

Today could be Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton's last debate in the chase for the nomination. She faces Barack Obama tonight, as they go head to head in one of the most important debates of the season. We'll see if there are any sudden announcements tomorrow...

In other news, Florida experienced a widespread black out much like the one that took place in NYC a few years ago. Watching the news, I saw cars zig-zagging through traffic as lights were out and no traffic cops were to be found. And all the reporter could do was complain about the 85 degree heat in Miami without the AC... not so sure he'd be willing to come live up here in the midst of the rain/ice mix we're experiencing.

Gov. Jon Corzine announced his plans for a MASSIVE budget cut in New Jersey in today's session of the State Senate. His toll hike is already outrageous but cutting a half billion off the state's budget? It's unrealistic and unlikely. Wonder what his next move will be...

Monday, February 25, 2008

Oscar turns 80

Yesterday the nation saw the most famous golden little statue in Hollywood, named Oscar, turn 80. The stars came out dressed in their expensive gowns and luxurious tuxedos to celebrate his "birthday" and to celebrate the best movies, directors, actors, actresses and everything that could possibly be incorporated in a film this past year.

It is an award show that has seen many firsts in its 80 years, including this year, as Nielsen reported television ratings for the ceremony at an all time low. Another highlight of this year's Academy Awards had to do with the Writers' Strike. This was the first film awards show that celebrities attended. However, before the strike ended, the Academy Awards, the pinnacle of Hollywood culture was threatened to be a no-go.

Comedian Jon Stewart of "The Daily Show" fame played host during the Oscars. His commentary was full of witty remarks regarding all walks of American life. Whether commenting on the Writers' Strike or the upcoming presidential Election, Stewart was never short of a quip.

One more interesting tidbit before I sign off for the night. We all know the Oscars are the American Awards ceremony for the best film productions. But, did you realize that best actor, actress, and best supporting actor and actress, were indeed, not American? Best Actor Daniel Day-Lewis is Irish; Best Actress Marion Cotillard is French; Best Supporting Actor Javier Bardem is Spanish and finally Best Supporting Actress Tilda Swinton is English. Hmmm....

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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Castro Feature; Feature Ideas

First, I would like to show this example of a feature. This feature concentrates on Fidel Castro, the leader of Cuba, who has very recently stepped down. It was published in a leading Irish political magazine, "An Phoblacht" in December 2007.

http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/22598

In Journalism, we have been directed to start brainstorming for our owm features. We must write about something concerning the teenage (peep, adolescent, whichever you prefer) population and I would like it to fall into my own beat.
My three ideas are:
1) affirmative action- this allows employers but, in my case most importantly colleges, to approve applicants on the basis of their gender or ethnicity.

2) Underage Consumption- This is very general and well heard of, so this is my, if you will, boring choice. The focus would be on substance abuse by teenagers in the 21st century.

3) Teen obesity- Everything you read tells you that all of America is fat. This feature will delve into the "fat" and explore the validity of the statement above, plus the effect junk food has on the body since it is so popular with kids in their teens.

All of these issues are current events and therefore notable news because something new is always happening within them. Whether a new case against affirmative action is brewing, more parties are busted or a study is released on obesity, something new is always happening.
Should be interesting!

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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Castro Steps Down in Cuba; Politics in Wisconsin

After 49 years of communist government in Cuba, 81 year old Fidel Castro has decided to step down as the autocratic leader in the island country. Long has Castro plagued the United States, threatening policies of America since the very beginning of his long rule.

President Bush stated today that he hoped Castro descent from power triggers a democratic transition for Cuba, in a statement documented by MSNBC News Services.

So, to summarize the last few days in world news, Kosovo has declared its independence AND Fidel Castro has stepped down in Cuba - this has been quite an eventful week on the world's stage.

On the homefront, the Wisconsin primary was held today. Republican Senator John McCain won his side, increasing his chances of a GOP nomination for the 2008 Election. Sen. Barack Obama, a possible nominee for the Democratic party won the primary, outshining Hillary Clinton. Wisconsin is an interesting state for the Democrats, as it is a test of more industrial states to come, such as Ohio and Pennsylvania.

November is still quite a ways away but the election season is really heating up - stay tuned for more information on politics and all sorts of news to come!

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Monday, February 18, 2008

US, among others recognize Kosovo's independence

Today the United States and other European powers recognized Kosovo as an independent nation, since it's split from Serbia.

The UN Security Council has been in emergency meetings since yesterday, discussing Kosovo's actions.

The recognition of Kosovo from the US and the European states has created a division in the Council, among those mentioned and China, Russia and others opposed to Kosovo's independence.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Kosovo declares Independence

Today Kosovo declared it's independence from Serbia, defying both Serbia and Russia.

Kosovo's actions caused Serbia to denounce the declaration while Russia sought out the UN Security Council for action. The independence of Kosovo comes after a separatist war fought with Serbia ten years ago, in which over 10,000 people were killed.

Russia and Serbia are not likely to sit peacefully as they watch Kosovo's independence in the Balkans. Kosovo seems to be preparing for war with their powerful neighbors but countrymen and women are rejoicing.

"This is the happiest day in my life," said Mehdi Shehu, 68 in an article written by the Associated Press. "Now we're free and we can celebrate without fear."

European powers and the United States will continue to watch for war and it should be interesting as the US is already engaged in Iraq. If war in the Balkans erupts, will the US run to fight? Or will they watch from the sidelines?

Thursday, February 14, 2008

MA Dropout endorses McCain

Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney has decided to endorse AZ senator and Republican nominee hopeful John McCain. During his run for the presidency, Romney collected 280 delegates, all of which he has asked to endorse McCain. If the former Romney delegates were to back McCain, the AZ senator would be very close to the crucial 1,191 delegates needed to clinch the nomination.

For more information, including statements from Romney, check out msnbc.com and read this article written by the Associated Press.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23168380

Northern Illinois University Shootings

I just signed on to write about a terrible tragedy in Illinois on the campus of Northern Illinois University. There has been a shooting, in which at least 4 people are dead, according to local authorities, as per msn.com. If you follow this link, it will lead you to the article where I received my information.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23171567/?GT1=10856

Although it seems as though the death toll is not the same as the Virginia Tech Massacre, it is very concerning that two events like these have occurred within less than a year apart. Maybe the country should be taking a closer look at the safety of our universities.

My heart goes out to the families of those affected by this tragedy.

Sorry for my Slacking!!

I have to admit, I was an incredible slacker in the last week. As I was telling my blog stalker/editor, I was too busy getting tan and playing field hockey with Mickey Mouse in Disney World, without any access to a computer, to update my blog. But, here I am, after being delayed in Orlando for four hours while the snow came down in Jersey.

Super Tuesday turned out to be, well, super. On the Republican side of things, McCain cleaned up. Former Mayor of NYC Rudy Giuliani dropped out of the race for the President, as did Mitt Romney, following the results of super Tuesday. Democratically, the presindential candidate race became even more confusing between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Seeing that I was not on the ball and did not keep up with my blogs, you all are already aware of what went on last Tuesday.

Mardi Gras finished up last Tuesday in New Orleans, a huge success for the city. The city that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina is now preparing for the NBA allstar game. According to an article written by the Associated Press in "The Star Ledger" Mardi Gras was the last test of security leading up to the big game. The NBA security staff was extremely impressed with the city's handling of such a huge and notoriously wild event. New Orleans is ready and excited for the NBA all star game.

Tune in for more later.

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Tuesday, February 5, 2008

First Post

Hello! This is my first post for my beat, notable news. Not the best name, but it is descriptive of my beat. From now on, I will be reporting on "notable" news, ranging from unusual news to items everyone should know about. My main purpose is to inform about issues that are important and interesting to me and hopefully, I will help to make them interesting and important to you.

I'll be writing tomorrow with feedback concerning the Election of 2008 and the desicions of today's primaries and caucuses in 22 states, plus Fat Tuesday 2008.

Enjoy Super Tuesday!