Online Newspaper - latest technology in mass media

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I do not read newspapers, and being a Communication Student, I think I should be embarrassed of what I have just said. Well, I do read once-in-a-while. However, I think it is as good as saying I have read a newspaper once in my life.

We used to have piles of newspaper in our storage room back in our old home. My dad always starts the day with a paper, as a part of his breakfast but I was never really hooked into reading them. I just like the thrill of earning extra bucks by selling them at the nearest junkshop.

When I am too early for class or I have nothing to do and there is no vacant computer in the internet room, I go through the broadsheets. I prefer reading them because they are accessible compared to books. You can just pick them up from the stand or the front desk rather than search for a single appealing book from thousands placed on the shelf.

More often, I get to read newspapers for projects, in other words, when I have no option but to do so. Not wanting to spend is not an excuse for us students. The library has a daily supply of the three leading national broadsheets.

However, I came up with the closest reasons I can think of:

1. I think newspapers are messy and inconvenient to read. (I know this is a petty one but it’s true). Every time I read, I get black stains on my fingertips and it becomes a problem when it stains my white uniform. I also have to stretch my arms to hold it because of its size. Lastly, the pages sometimes get mixed up.
2. I also get the top news from television.
3. We have the Internet, to be more specific, the online newspaper.

But what is the online newspaper? I am pretty that the majority is not aware of this advancement. But I don’t think it needs a definition for the term is self explanatory.

Many, especially those involved in the industry of printed newspaper have been against the said technological breakthrough. Obviously, it will cause the declining profit margins and declining circulation in daily newspapers.

We have online games, online encyclopedia and even online shopping. I don’t think having an online newspaper should be seen in the negative perspective. I do think that its advantages outweigh its disadvantages.

The most visible advantage of the web newspaper its ability to rapidly update itself. Unlike the printed newspaper, readers can get hold of the latest news anytime, anywhere there is a computer and internet connection. There is no need to wait for the following day for the printed newspaper to be circulated all over the country. This way, the press can sooner and better perform its duty as the fourth estate.

What you have read yesterday or the other month will still be available without having to go through dusty and almost rotten newspapers that you have kept.

Lastly, it is convenient in many ways. You can just search for a topic and all related articles will appear. It will even link you to further readings.

Examples of foreign online newspaper include:http://www.nytimes.com/ - The New York Times, http://www.washingtonpost.com/ - The Washington Post, and http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ - China Daily and www.inquirer.net – The Philippine Daily Inquirer, www.philstar.com – The Philippine Star, and www.mb.com.ph – The Manila Bulletin for local.

MIKE ARROYO and HIS CONTROVERSIES, GUILTY OR NOT?

This blog entry may be different from my two previous posts. We were asked to make a stand on the controversies that the first gentleman Mike Arroyo has been and is still facing, allegations on jueteng, corruption and taking advantage of his wife, GMA’s position in particular. To answer if he is guilty or not, is a tough one, especially if the person involved have sued an incredible number of journalists for libel.

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Let me start with this:

IF THERE IS NO FIRE, THERE IS NO SMOKE, a Filipino proverb often associated to controversies being denied especially in showbiz and politics.

I may not be updated on politics but I do believe in this saying. There would be no controversies if there really is nothing to discuss about. Sometimes, people tend to exaggerate what they know but very few can generate stories out of thin air. There is a root for all these.

Many have been written and reported but of course not one is proven. Mike Arroyo is a lawyer. He sure knows his way out.

Expected to be a moral citizen, he will not pledge of being guilty, but claiming that he is innocent would not help. My suggestion is to defend rather than deny.

He claims to be a private citizen. And he knows his rights as one. But by simply holding the title as the First Gentleman makes him a public figure. He owes the Filipino people an explanation.

my christmas sentiments

I don’t know if it’s just the rainy weather that brought the cold breeze or the Holiday Season is truly just around the corner. I still can’t believe how 2006 swiftly passed by. I can’t help but think about the memories of late 2005 and how I longed for the New Year, the 10th of January 2006 to make it more specific.

My Father was based in Cebu and was booked to fly here in Angeles that day for a court hearing and to spend a few days with my mum and I. Unfortunately, he did not make it. He had a heart attack and passed away on the 24th of December 2005. What a shocking way to celebrate Christmas Eve. And I can’t believe that it’s almost a year now.

My parents separated when I was in third year high school. I was a daddy’s girl. It was hard. My father settled down in Cebu with a new partner and a kid of their own who is now four years old. I seldom get the chance to visit him but when I do, we make sure that we make the most out of it.

My Father wasn’t into celebrating Christmas, but we still did for my sake. Few years before he passed away, it might have been the time of the year he hate the most. He has gone through financial difficulties and I think it’s during this time that he felt he has nothing to give. Which makes me think, depression might have been the cause of his death.

I’ve been very busy last December - school works, hanging out with friends and running errands all at the same time. But I never failed to communicate with my father. I always wanted him to know how much I loved him and how I was looking forward to seeing him soon. He did the same, but with depressing stories to share which I hated to hear.

As much as I wanted to enjoy the spirit of Christmas, I knew that my father somewhere on the other end of this country couldn’t and wouldn’t do so. And as much as I hate to share the same sentiments, I couldn’t help it because we are connected.

And so it is quite a relief this year. He is now resting. He would not experience the sorrows of this season. I just hope and pray that he is peaceful and happy wherever he is right now.

MR. and MS. Angeles University

I can’t really think of a topic that would be interesting for you people to read. But since you’re already on the second sentence, you might as well continue. I promise to keep it short.

I’d like to share my experiences from the Mr. And Ms. University Pageant. Don’t deny it! I know how much you enjoy watching beauty pageants, how you stay up late just to know who made it to the final five, how you comment on every little detail that is barely visible, how you cheer for your kababayan, kapatid, kaklase, kakulto, kaibigan or ka-ibigan and how bias we can be. It’s in your culture. You are 100% Pinoy!

You may think it’s strange but if you were to ask me how I got myself into this pageant, I honestly can’t remember. All I know was that I was a part of it and I wanted to bring home the crown and share the victory with the people who strongly believed in me regardless of my flaws.

The show went on fast without me knowing how my performance was on stage, how I looked, walked, projected. I had no clue if I’d make it to the final five. All I knew was it was a tough competition. One wrong move and you’re good as out. How I wanted to be a candidate and a part of the audience at the same time so I would know which aspects would I improve on. I didn’t receive any of the six minor awards. I almost lost hope. And then my name was called. I was one of the top five candidates. I revived.

It felt like a second chance, a chance to prove that I was worthy of the title. But I failed. I was disappointed. I wanted to ask why, I know it would help me improve myself but until this day, I’m not yet ready to hear the answer.

It was that night and the following day, a rainy Sunday that I felt so bad, really bad without knowing why. I never knew why I wanted it. I never even knew that I wanted it that bad.

Despite my sentiments, I never questioned God why He didn’t allow me to bring out the best in myself because I already know the answer – It is not for me. Somebody else deserves, needs and would make more use of it than I will.

I am already a winner, and I will always be a winner.

I’ve gained new experiences, learning, opportunities, friends, skills and a lot more from this pageant. But my favorite would have to be this:

I don’t know what I have done to deserve all these. I love you!

To My Mum, My AUF and LMSI Friends, Harry, Ma’am Virgie, K8, Kuya Jhim, Jerome, Mike, Sinukwan…Thank You!

There is ALWAYS something to be grateful about. Always count and share your blessings. We are all winners. Cheers!

hello!