Keeping Promises

There is a phrase "don't make a promise that you can't keep". Obama kept his promise. During his Presidential campaign he told the world that he would kill Osama Bin Laden and that he did. Now, in his next campaign he can say that he did just that. The New York Times put out a great video that illustrates the ramifications that Osama's death has on the 2012 elections.

"All Politics Is Viral"

I have been really interested in our discussion about this in class. Take a look at this clip from ABC News that was shown this summer. This was even before all that took place in Turkey. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DtTTB-Njgk

"Times Topics"

If you had to guess who the top 4 people in the news listed in the New York Times "Topics" section, who do you think would be listed? (Don't peek at the answers!!)
1. Barack Obama
2. Charlie Sheen
3. Natalie Portman
4. Julian Assange

And, how about the top 4 "subjects in the news"
1. Facebook
2. Lebanon
3. Tunisia
4. I-Pad

I think these 8 topics define what our Country is thinking about right now. Luckily our President is listed as the first topic, but really are we that low that Charlie Sheen and Natalie Portman (although I am a fan!) are listed as 2 & 3?! The fact that Facebook is #1 in "subjects" makes sense because Facebook is effecting the world in so many different ways (Egypt, social media, personal connections, etc)

If you had to pick #5 for "people" and for "subjects", what would you pick?

NY Times Journalists Held Captive

The Four Journalists 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/world/africa/23times.html?_r=1&ref=global-home&pagewanted=print

Glen Beck on Itamar Massacre: Very important to watch

As we discussed today in class, the words used in political stories are always key. I think the word Beck uses to describe the murder, "butcher", is the most effective one that I have seen so far. 

"Home Connections"

Take a look at this very powerful video from The New York Times website called "Home Connections". This video introduces you to soldiers and their families who are using modern technology such as webcams  to stay in touch while overseas. They fill each other in on their day to day lives and discuss topics that they would if they were face to face. It is very interesting though to hear both the pros and cons of communicating this way while at War from the perspective of soldiers and their families.

 Do you think the pros override the cons or vice versa? 

Pictured here is a solider in Afghanistan. Because of Skype, this solider in Afghanistan coached his wife through childbirth and was "there" to "meet" his daughter. 

A Wishful Wedding Crasher?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/18/3142722.htm

Prince William and future Princess Kate's wedding has constantly been in the media since their engagement, but this is a little over the top!