blogs i visited

Analou- campus journalism dead?
Joowon- The campus journalism in auf is dead
Marianne- adverts I never knew existed
Spring- stand up
Rona- I apu ku
Almex- surviving the death
Ella- so what?
Crissanta- lazy stuffs
Melford- press freedom koh
Michelle- poem: alone
Rendy- at last
Arvie- journalism: act of responsibility
Mike- no matter what
Jel- boredom
Tinay- Cynthia
Gean- proud gean
Joyce- why is mike arroyo always linked to corruption
Archie- second last blog
Kayanne- old days

freedom of expression

It has been stated that students here in angeles university foundation has no say to what the school says. We have no right to comment if ever we have a reaction to the sudden change of tuition fees or any kind of action that we do not agree to. unlike other schools like UP they have the right to protest and be open to what they feel. here in our school we are controlled ny the administration and what is said is said. maybe because students are scared to say what they really feel.

Well actually not only our school but all the univerties here in pampanga does not have the courage to contradict their administration. I do not know actually if its the lack of courage or lack of practice. it has been said the students must have an active voice but if you will notice everything they write about is always the latest news in the university but never what is really happening inside the university that is already affecting the students in a bad way.

it is better to have an active voice rather than to keep quiet because it is for us students to benefit for what we are paying for not the school to benefit from us.

The sudden change of uniform at AUF

it has been two years already since the school decided to change the style of our uniform. it was a shock to all of the students because it was unexpected by all. especially to the fourth year students who were going to graduate but still had no choice but to change their uniform their reason was it was a waste of money.

on the other had i had interviewed a lot of students studying in auf before the change of uniform and they said that one of the reasons why they enrolled in AUF was because of the cute uniform they had. it was a shock to almost every student because imagine wearing long sleeves in this kind of weather here in the philippines and the style of the skirt can be blown by the wind anytime when a truck or fast car passes by.

the school changed the uniform because they had learned that a lot of students are being harrased because some students have really short skirts. yes, it was cute and very convenient but a lot of students had been taken advantaged of guys even in their own classrooms. imagine pictures of AUF girls students under wear had been kept in a guys cellphone without even knowing. this i know beacause i was there and i saw it happen.

maybe yes, the sudden change of uniform at auf is a shock to us all but on the other hand the school was just trying to protect the dignity of the students of AUF. now students had been comfortable in the new style of uniform and i hope that they realize that the purpose of the school for changing it was not to make us look like "manangs" but to protect us and make us look respectable.

team unity visits pampanga

Today the senatorial candidates of team unity went to the convention center of San Fernando Pampanga at about two in the afternoon. A lot of people came to their campaign and they gave hope to the people of Pampanga. I was shocked to see so many people inside the convention center. we were asked to write down one question for a particular candidate we were interested in. unfortunately because of the crowd and lack of time we went home after an hour of staying there. If given the chance a while ago, I chose Mike Defensor as my interviewee. I prepared one question that i wanted to ask him but we were not given the chance. They were very effective and the people from Pampanga welcomed them with open arms. maybe because almost all of them are kapampangan including our president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Its very flattering to know that most of our political leader came from Pampanga but Its better to hope that that if they do win, they keep their influence into good use and make the kapampangan people proud of them.

PICK THE RIGHT PAIR

If you are like most women having dozens of footwear, how many of it fits you well? how do they compliment your fashion sense? and is it all versatile enough to serve you multiple purposes?

The trick to wearing the perfect shoes for your outfit is to always keep in mind the look you are after and where you are going. if you are going to a swanky affair, heels are a must. A sporting event means wearing the comfy ones.

Sometimes, the prettiest shoes are also the most painful ones to wear. For those who know about this have blisters to prove that its true. Right? Sometimes you have to take the pain to be beautiful. well on the other, when going shoe shopping comfort is the key. though in some reasons there are some people who wants their shoes matched with their outfits.

If you want to go for the sophisticated look, you have to go with pumps. Not only will you be appropriate for the event but you will look sexy. Obviously, students already prefer wearing these because it's stylish as well. A pair of fashion boots is something classic enough to add an edge and an everyday tee and it's more than just a fun way to stay dry in a wet weather.

If you spend good amount of time outdoors, go with flats. They may look simple on you but flats are very flexible and easy to wear. You will enjoy wearing them even in long walks. A pair of sling backs in a neutral shade will make you look chic with a straight skirt and a simple top. They can be worn with bare legs. Plus, they work well with formal and near-formal wear. They add sophistication to jeans and instantly dress up a denim skirt like nothing else can.

Attractive thong sandals are in nowadays. Just consider yourself a die hard fashionista! Some would even spice up there own pair of sandals. a little bit of buttons, shells and beads you have your own masterpiece without even spending the rest of your money out.

A woman can never go wrong with wearing wedges. They will always look good in a pair of jeans and it is indeed very comfortable to wear. Think sandals, thongs and flip-flops all of that pair comes with different colors. These ate probably the most comfortable footwear you can ever have and are surprisingly in demand on teens because for them it is practical and trendy at the same time.

Ladies, there is no need to spend your money on shoes you don't obviously like. We know that being pretty means easing the pain but why do that if yo can be comfortable with your own fashion style. Right? Just learn how to choose the right shoes that complement your style without leaving blisters on your foot. If you follow the above tips, you might create a woman's fashion footwear wardrobe, that no matter what the occasion is, you'll be comfortable of picking the right perfect shoe for you.

Picture source: www.yahoo.com

online newspaper ( assignment given by maam maniti)

Rationale of online newspapers:

- online newspapers are very helpful especially for those people who no longer have time to buy newspapers. All they have to do is search the net and they will be informed of the latest news around the world.


Brief description of an online newspaper:

-Modern printed newspapers all over the world are developing and running web newspapers. Not only do they allow for instant updating of news stories, they provide an avenue for instantaneous community conversation about important matters of the day, entertainment, classified ads, and even obituaries. As distinctions between modes of communication become blurred, and as mass communication transforms itself every day with innovation, anyone who has a cellphone on a hike in the woods may now be in instant contact with news and events worldwide.Web newspapers are not precisely like blogs or forum sites; however, it is not unusual for newspaper reporters and editors to maintain blogs, or for newspapers to add forums to their websites, for easy response from readers. In fact, soft-copy newspapers are much like hard-copy newspapers. Legal boundaries, such as laws regarding libel, privacy and copyright, also apply to online publications. Online newspapers must abide by the same legalities as do their sister publications. Professional journalists have some advantages, as editors are normally aware of the potential for legal problems. As bloggers and independent citizen-journalists become more prevalent on the web, the potential for an explosion in lawsuits looms. These include suits over libel, questions regarding negligence or actual malice, or suits regarding invasion of privacy torts (such as appropriation, intrusion, private facts and false light).News reporters in progressive newsrooms throughout the country are being taught to shoot video and to write in the succinct manner necessary for the Internet news pages. Many are learning how to implement blogs. Journalism students in schools around the world are being taught about the "convergence" of all media and the need to have knowledge and skills involving print, broadcast and web.

Example of online newspapers:

FOREIGN:

example 1:

Bomb explodes on bus in Baghdad; 6 dead Associated PressBAGHDAD, Iraq - A bomb struck a small bus in Baghdad as it headed to a predominantly Shiite area on Sunday, killing six passengers and wounding 10, police said.The bus was en route from the Bab al-Sharqi area to the central commercial district of Karradah when the explosion occurred at 8:15 a.m., shattering the windows of nearby stores.The bomb was left in a bag by somebody who got off the bus, police said.Sirens wailed as police and ambulances rushed to the area, and rescue workers pulled the badly burned bodies from the charred bus.Faris Mahdi, who works at a cell phone store near the site of the blast, said he and his colleagues tried to help the victims."We had just arrived to open our shop when we heard the sound of a big explosion and saw a fire in a small bus," said Mahdi, 36. "We ran because the ambulances hadn't arrived yet. We pulled out three charred bodies, and badly injured people were taken to the hospital by a pickup car."About 45 minutes later, a parked car bomb exploded outside a restaurant in eastern Baghdad, wounding six people, according to police.Iran plans to conduct missile war gamesNASSER KARIMIAssociated PressTEHRAN, Iran - Iran plans three days of military maneuvers, including short-range missile tests, beginning Sunday - its first since the U.N. Security Council imposed sanctions against it in late December, state-run television said."The elite Revolutionary Guards plans to begin a three-day missile maneuver on Sunday near Garmsar city," said the broadcast. The city is located in northern Iran on the edge of Kavir desert, about 60 miles southeast of Tehran."Zalzal and Fajr-5 missiles will be test fired in the war game," the television quoted an unnamed commander of the guards, as saying. Both are considered short-range missiles.Iran conducted three large-scale military exercises last year as tensions with the West and the United States rose.In November, for example, it test-fired dozens of missiles, including the Shahab-3 that can reach Israel, in military maneuvers that it said were aimed at putting a stop to the role of world powers in the Persian Gulf region.Sunday's maneuvers are to be the first by Iran since the U.N. Security Council imposed limited sanctions on the country on Dec. 23, banning selling materials and technology that could be used in Iran's nuclear and missile programs and freezing assets abroad of 10 Iranian companies and individuals.Iran regularly holds large maneuvers, often using them to test weapons developed by its arms industry.The latest Iranian maneuvers also come just days after the U.S. announced it would deploy a second aircraft carrier to the Gulf, the USS Stennis.That appeared to have alarmed some in Iran's hard-line leadership. A prominent member of a powerful cleric-run body this week warned that the U.S. plans to attack Iran in the coming months, possibly by striking its nuclear facilities.The United States has said it is focusing on diplomacy but will not rule out other options.Washington has accused Iran of backing militants fueling Iraq's violence and has tried to rally its Arab allies in isolating Tehran.Last year, Iran held three large-scale military exercises. In April, Iran tested what it called an "ultra-horizon" missile, fired from helicopters and jet fighters, and the Fajr-3 missile, which can reportedly evade radar and use multiple warheads to hit several targets simultaneously.While U.S. officials have suggested that Iran is exaggerating the capabilities of its newly developed weapons, Washington and its allies have been watching the country's progress in missile technology with concern.In October, the U.S. led maneuvers of its own in the Gulf, focusing on surveillance, with warships tracking a ship suspected of carrying components of illegal weapons.In December 2005, Israel successfully tested its Arrow missile defense system against a rocket similar to Iran's Shahab-3. The Arrow was developed jointly with the United States.While the Zalzal is a solid fuel missile, the Fajr-5 missile, from the Persian word meaning dawn, is an artillery rocket developed by Iran in early 2006. It includes a mobile platform and its primary role is to engage land targets, with a range of 50 miles.Iran has recently urged Arab Gulf nations to kick the U.S. military out of the region and join Iran in a new regional security alliance, an offer mostly ignored by the Gulf states.

Source: www.miamiherald.com

example 2:

At least 19 U.S. troops killed in IraqMost perish in a copter crash. U.S. asserts cause is unknown; a witness says craft was downed.By Borzou Daragahi, Times Staff WriterJanuary 21, 2007BAGHDAD — At least 19 U.S. troops were killed in a helicopter crash and insurgent attacks across Iraq on Saturday in the deadliest day for the American military here in nearly two years.The U.S. military also reported the deaths of two other troops the previous day, and the surge in fatalities just days before President Bush's State of the Union address was likely to inject a note of urgency into the debate over his Iraq policy.The day's deadliest episode was the crash of a Black Hawk helicopter northeast of Baghdad on Saturday afternoon, killing all 12 U.S. soldiers aboard. The military initially had said 13 were killed but revised it to 12 early today.South of the capital in the Shiite Muslim city of Karbala, men armed with grenades, mortars and assault rifles swarmed a provincial security building manned by U.S. and Iraqi forces, the military said. At least five U.S. soldiers were killed and three wounded.Four more U.S. troops and 44 Iraqis were also reported killed or found dead Saturday in politically motivated violence as Iraqi and American forces stepped up an effort to target Shiite militiamen and Sunni Arab insurgents.U.S. military officials said the cause of Saturday's crash had yet to be determined, but Iraqi sources said it was shot down. A witness said he saw ground fire bring down the aircraft, and an insurgent group claimed responsibility for the attack in an Internet posting that could not be authenticated.Iraqi officials and witnesses said the crash took place near the town of Buhriz in the region of Tarefiya, a rural Sunni enclave of canals and wheat fields about six miles south of Baqubah, the capital of Diyala province. The area is known as an insurgent stronghold. A recent joint U.S.-Iraqi military offensive focused on Diyala.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/

Local:
example 1:
Janjalani dead, FBI DNA tests confirmBy Jaime LaudeThe Philippine Star 01/21/2007DNA test results have confirmed Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khaddafy Janjalani was killed during a clash with government troops last September, Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. announced yesterday. "The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is proud to announce that we have neutralized the center of gravity of terrorism in the Philippines," Esperon said in a news conference. Esperon said the DNA tests were conducted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which had taken samples for comparison from Janjalani’s brother, Hector, who is serving prison term for kidnapping and murder. "The FBI test which was witnessed by three officers of the PNP (Philippine National Police) crime laboratory, states that the cadaver recovered last Dec. 27 is that of Khaddafy Janjalani, the acknowledged leader of the Abu Sayyaf group," Esperon declared while holding a copy of the DNA extracts in a news conference flanked by the commanders of the major AFP services. A copy of the DNA extracts released to the media stated: "Executive summary on 19 January, 2007. FBI laboratories positively matched DNA samples from the suspected remains of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Khaddafy Janjalani with the elder brother’s, confirming Janjalani’s death." One foreign observer, however, pointed out the DNA tests could be conclusive if the tissue samples came from Janjalani himself when still alive. "In this case, the samples taken from the cadaver only cross-matched with that of Hector and not Janjalani’s himself... What if the remains were that of Janjalani’s relatives. Of course the DNA will matched that of Hector," the observer pointed out. Esperon, however, stood firm that Janjalani is already dead, waving the copy of the FBI report. "I must also thank US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, the JSOTF Commander of the US, Col. David Maxwell, and his men for their technical and service support to the ongoing operations," Esperon said. Washington congratulated Manila for the successful military operations that led to the killing of Janjalani. "Remains found on the island of Jolo in Sulu province in December 2006 have been proven by forensic and DNA tests conducted in the Philippines and the United States to be those of the terrorist leader. This is a major step forward in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines and in the global war on terror," the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement. "The death of Khaddafy Janjalani is an important and positive step toward the ultimate goal of eliminating the ruthless and dangerous Abu Sayyaf group, and in destroying its links with international terrorist groups such as the Jemaah Islamiyah," according to the statement. Esperon confirmed the killing of Janjalani four days after government troops killed Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Solaiman, marking a major victory of the government’s "Oplan Ultimatum" launched in August last year to wipe out the al-Qaeda-linked bandit group. President Arroyo said the killing of Janjalani showed the resolve of the Philippine government to fight terrorism in the region its own way. "No more is our nation a basket case in the region or a weak link in the fight against terror," Mrs. Arroyo said. Malacañang also hailed the people of Sulu and Basilan for helping out the military to contain the Abu Sayyaf. Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye also pointed out the US government made great contributions in neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf. "Good intelligence sharing and the cooperation of the grassroots in Sulu and Basilan were largely responsible for the neutralization of the (Abu Sayyaf) leadership," Bunye said. "More than ever, this administration is determined to eliminate the pockets of poverty in the area to deprive extremists of recruiting grounds for terrorism," Bunye said. Mrs. Arroyo earlier vowed to finish off the Abu Sayyaf with a "hand of steel" through efforts of the AFP and the country’s allies.


example 2:
How DNA testing worksBy Sheila CrisostomoThe Philippine Star 01/21/2007One of the most important discoveries of the 1950s is deoxyribonucleic acid, commonly known as DNA, the stuff on which modern forensic science is based. DNA’s double-helix structure, similar to a spiral staircase, was discovered by four scientists: James Dewey Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, and Rosalind Franklin. All known cellular life and some viruses contain DNA, which is a "nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions for the development and functions of living organisms," according to Wikipedia’s online encyclopedia. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said each organism, including humans, has its own DNA composition. "There are no two persons who have similar DNA. It’s our genetic imprint. It makes us unique from each other," he told The STAR. Duque said this genetic imprint, if used properly, is effective in establishing the identity of a crime suspect and a crime victim and even paternity and other familial relationships. Forensic scientists accomplish this by examining the DNA sequence unique to that human or species. The website of the Human Genome Program of the United States’ Department of Energy Office of Science showed that in identifying individuals, "forensic scientists scan 13 DNA regions that vary from person to person and use the data to create a DNA profile of that individual," sometimes called a "DNA fingerprint." The website showed that "there is an extremely small chance that another person has the same DNA profile for a particular set of regions." DNA examination is also used to identify catastrophe victims, endangered and protected species; detect bacteria and other organisms that may pollute air, water, soil and food; match organ donors with recipients in transplant operations; determine pedigree for seed or livestock breeds and authenticate consumables such as caviar and wine. The website further stated that "only one-tenth of a single percent of DNA (about three million bases) differs from one person to the next." "Scientists can use these variable regions to generate a DNA profile of an individual, using samples from blood, bone, hair and other body tissues and products," the website stated.

example 3:
GMA: I did what I could for the country’s goodBy Aurea CalicaThe Philippine Star 01/21/2007On the anniversary of the people’s uprising that installed her to power six years ago, President Arroyo said she had done her best despite the many difficulties her administration had to face. "My thought for today on this Edsa Dos anniversary is the satisfaction of having done what I could for the good of the nation," she said. "The past has carried heavy trials but also great triumphs for the people. I am but an instrument of their most ardent aspirations," she added. She rallied the people to stay the course with her as the country starts to reap the fruits of the reforms she said she had instituted. Critics of the Arroyo administration and the opposition had always questioned the legitimacy of her administration. In 2001, they said she stole the presidency from deposed President Joseph Estrada, while in 2004, she allegedly cheated her way to victory in the polls. The moves to unseat her, however, have been failing as the supposed third Edsa people’s uprising did not take off while the coup and destabilization attempts against her had been thwarted by authorities. Her allies in the House of Representatives had also killed the impeachment moves against her. Having surpassed all these, Mrs. Arroyo said she had the people to thank for and that she faces the day "sharing the hopes of those families who have been lifted from poverty and I promise to do better if I can." She said the Philippines is already "crossing the threshold to an era of confidence and hope" and that the people must keep the momentum up. She said this year started right with the economic indicators all looking bright and the people must not allow politics, especially the coming elections, to ruin the momentum. "Global approval of and confidence in the Philippine track is firm and will stay that way as long as we keep our sights on the economy and not on partisan politics," she said. Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye also said Mrs. Arroyo would stay focused on the economy and the business of the people rather than allow politics to weigh down her agenda. "This government will continue to stand on a platform of performance and the politics of development and social justice, even if our detractors try their worst to draw and bait us into the arena of mudslinging," Bunye said. "The Filipino people are intelligent and totally turned off by partisan grandstanding and they will not allow the forthcoming polls to knock the Philippines off the right track, which is to work with the national leadership in keeping confidence up, gaining investments, creating jobs and increasing social payback of economic reforms," he said.

Source: www.philstar.com

picture source: www.yahoo.com

Sunday, January 21, 2007

The essence of christmas (christmas break)

Here in the Philippines Christmas is the most awaited event of the year. People are always struggling to buy Christmas presents for their family and friends. Then I wondered why Christmas to me this year feels so different? Maybe because finally, I lost the feeling of anticipation that followed me since childhood. We all know that Christmas is all about gift-giving, tree decorating, Christmas lights all over the house and a vacation to get away from work and school. As a Catholic I can not help but feel a little ashamed of not knowing the real importance of Christmas. I never really acknowledged Christmas as a religious holiday. It's funny how I can acknowledge Christmas decorations but not the real essence of the Christmas season. Maybe, that's one reason why Christmas to me this year feels so weird. Since Santa Claus is out of my mind, I no longer have to worry of what I have to wish for and I no longer have to wait until midnight to look at the empty socks for some candy. There's a lot of changes this year that really made Christmas so dull for me but i guess the best part of it is having some quality time for my family. I guess its about time for me to acknowledge Christmas as a religious holiday since my childhood had long passed by this is the time to change my point of view and feel the real essence of Christmas in my life.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Picture source: www.yahoo.com