Reporter's Notebook: Women of 9/11 still fighting for recognition, respect - CNN.com

Reporter's Notebook: Women of 9/11 still fighting for recognition, respect - CNN.com:

'via Blog this'

With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 just around the corner I felt I could not let it pass without some mention. After all, as scholars of human communication that event was transformative in a variety of ways and deserves our attention. As I was contemplating the images that I remember from that day they are seemingly the same, courageous firefighters and peace officers among the rubble looking for survivors and in some cases sacrificing their lives. When I read this article I thought to myself, not a single image in my head from that day involves a women displayed among those visceral images. For those who know me, I consider this oversight deeply disturbing considering my own area of study. I encourage you to read this article and ponder how we write and remember history.

Newly Flush, Local TV Newscasts Are Expanding - NYTimes.com

Newly Flush, Local TV Newscasts Are Expanding - NYTimes.com:

'via Blog this'

If you thought affiliate television was dying, perhaps you may want to rethink that position after you read this interesting article from the New York Times. There is a demand for local news in this era of ever expanding cable news and entertainment television. Connecting with local communities and with what viewers can personally relate to is a renewed focus for many local news organizations. For you (students) this means that you have to embrace our local community beyond the Wartburg bubble if you want to expand viewership/readership of your student run media. Get to know the community of Waverly, understand what is important to them, give them a reason to tune in or pick up the paper! For those of you ready to head into the workforce, whether a TV news station, radio or paper, know that you will be expected to be part of the local community. In short, embrace your community and your neighbors and solidify your base of loyal news consumers!

Skype, GroupMe and the death of the text message - Aug. 22, 2011

Skype, GroupMe and the death of the text message - Aug. 22, 2011

As I stumbled across this article it struck a chord with me because my husband and I were just discussing how inconvenient communicating via phone is now that I have an iPhone and he has a Blackberry (he will soon be changing) and we have to use text message rather than an integrated instant message on the phone. We haven't had to pay for text messages to each other for four years. Lamenting this we were in search of an app to let us communicate without using text messages. Apparently we are not alone and it is causing some concern for mobile carriers who make a great deal of money via text messages. As the use of smart phones increases the demand for text messages is likely to decrease (or so the trending indicates). This is interesting in its own right but what will be even more interesting to watch in our information age is if there will be a demand for the cost of data to be greatly reduced due to demand and competing carriers.

News: What Students Don't Know - Inside Higher Ed

News: What Students Don't Know - Inside Higher Ed

It has been a week since my last blog, vacation time...no work, or at least not a lot of work. I ran across this article about research done in the Illinois University system with regard to the lack of research skills from our digital natives (current students). While you have grown up immersed like an alphabet noodle in the internet stew, it seems that most struggle with how to use those tools to the best advantage. You might ask "why should I care, I get along fine, I have Google?" Let me answer, it used to be thought that the great digital divide would be between those with access to the internet and technology and those without. It is increasingly apparent that the divide will actually be between those who can use it and those who cannot. I encourage you to read the article and ask yourself if you may have some things to learn. For those of you who have already graduated think how more valuable and efficient you will be at any vocational path you choose if you know how to make the information work for you rather than you working for the information. Or better yet, how much more of an impact you can make when you have access to the best information!

Good Morning from Iowa – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs

Good Morning from Iowa – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs

Living in Iowa we are used to the hubbub surrounding presidential elections. We are inundated by picnics, barbecues, meet and greets and an endless supply of political ads. It is easy to get complacent and cynical in such an environment and overlook the rich opportunity that we have as citizens of the state of Iowa to make our voices heard on the political front. The Iowa State Fair is ripe pickings for anyone who is interested in the early Republican front-runners for the presidency. Whether it is attending the fair or any of the numerous "clam bakes" that will present themselves over the next few months, take advantage of the opportunity to see history in the making, make your voice heard, ask the tough questions!

Man with breast cancer denied coverage - Health - Men's health - msnbc.com

Man with breast cancer denied coverage - Health - Men's health - msnbc.com

If you have ever taken one of my gender classes, you will immediately understand why reading this article sent my blood pressure soaring. This story is about a young man (29) with breast cancer, we know that men can get breast cancer and it usually hits younger men. It is generally accepted that historically medical research and grant dollars have been expended using males as test subjects causing inequity with regard to good medical knowledge for both sexes. For example, signs of a heart attack are different for women and men but historically the focus has been on men in research. That being said, those who seek for equity between the sexes certainly should be appalled that this young man has been denied any assistance based on his sex. This disease, while generally afflicting women, is a reality for some men. There is a difference between equity of treatment and equity of result. I encourage you as future leaders and policy makers to think about which approach you will support.

Hacker group vows to 'kill Facebook' - CNN.com

Hacker group vows to 'kill Facebook' - CNN.com

The title of the article I chose for today may seem self evident with regard to why I would choose it for my "Why You Should Care" blog. However, if you read the article (which explains the plans to hack into Facebook that a group call "Anonymous" has been contemplating) you will see that hacking is being used as a form of protest rhetoric. Since the very beginning of the internet age there have been "white hats" and "black hats" but this new level of loosely organized but highly motivated and effective hacking efforts is being used as a communication tool for protest that should make scholars of both rhetoric and journalism sit up and take notice. As you read the article ask yourself "what gives this group legitimacy?" and "how will this form of protest evolve over time?"