Presidential Debate

Yesterday was my birthday so it wasn't exactly in my agenda to sit down last night and watch the debate.  However, after searching the internet and browsing youtube for a while I was able to form some sort of mild opinion. 

From what I've seen, I noticed that both Obama and McCain both had their strengths and weaknesses.  They both had their share of topics in which they excelled in, as well as those in which their opponent was able to outdo them. However, my focus drifted more towards their body language and their mannerisms.  If you notice, McCain seems to have some sort of difficulty with eye contact.  In majority of his responses to Obama, and simply in speaking, his eyes rarely met Obama's or even looked in his direction.  He seemed nervous and tense.  Obama on the other hand seemed much more calm.  He paid attention to McCain; looked in his direction.  It just seemed odd.  

Another point I noticed, was that McCain was eager to explain his experience.  "I've met this world leader... traveled to this country...experience experience experience"...but was more hesitant to speak about the future and his position as a potential world leader.  I just think Obama was more focused on making the public aware of what he wants to do, what he can do; his future and ours.

Reactions to the debate seem to be, for the most part, the same.  "There is no clear winner"  "Both candidates made excellent points"  And while some stations seemed to be on the defense with what McCain could have done or with what Obama could of said, majority seemed to share the same perspective;  neither candidate really delivered an "above-all" performance. 

9/11

September 11, 2001 was a day that has changed almost every aspect of the way we live.  However, as the years continue to pass I can't help but notice a kind of lack of acknowledgement.  Don't get me wrong, the day still remains a day the changed our nation and the patriotism that our country exerted still exists today, it just seems that each year results in less and less recognition.  

To be honest,  I woke up on September 11th of this year as it was an ordinary day.  My routine remained the same and it wasn't until I was almost out the door when I realized my mistake.  I felt terrible.  7 years ago, I sat in my 6th grade reading class naive and petrified of what would happen to me, my family, my friends, my life.  How could I have just brushed it off like nothing had happened?  How could I not have remembered?

The media coverage following 9/11 those seven years ago definitely made a difference on our country.  The scenes of people jumping from the towers and images of the New York policemen, firemen, and volunteers working together to save lives are images that will never be forgotten.  And while the images may still flash in our heads every once in a while, and while the topic of the traumatic day may be mentioned here or there it just isn't recognized the same way as it was seven years ago.  As time goes on, it seems like people have almost lost all interest and sympathy and nationalistic regard for such a life-changing day.  This year's anniversary seemed to entail nothing more then a mere mention of different memorial services while six years ago any opportunity to remember was jumped on by programs of all different sorts.

Time has most certainly taken a toll on the memories of the citizens of this country.  Isn't it ironic that the day that held the tag-line "Never Forget" seems to have been forgotten?

Assignment #1

While television has been a part of my life for all eighteen years, it hadn't actually affected me up until my junior year of high school.  It wasn't until then that I realized that something so ordinary could actually help shape my future.  My junior year of high school I was able to enroll in the television production class that released a biweekly news show that aired on a local station in my town.  It was in that class where we, the students, were able to direct, report, edit, and produce a segment of our choice that would be aired on television for the town to see.

Reading this it just seems like I'm rambling about something totally unrelated and ridiculous but actually it was in this class that I realized what I wanted to do; what i wanted to study; what I wanted to become.  Mid-year, a set of anchors were selected to "host" this news show we, as a class, produced and put on the air every other week.  I, along with my best friend, was chosen.

 From January to June, I read the news, introduced the stories, and hosted West Orange High School's TV36 News.  After that, I knew exactly what I wanted to go to school for.

To go home and be able to scroll through channels and happen to stumble across your own face on the screen and to know that there were people all over town watching the same program with you as the star was an unbelievable feeling.  It was through this particular medium that I was able to see my future.  I can honestly say that because of television my life has changed.  My future will ultimately be shaped because of something that has surrounded me for as long as I can remember.  Now, I can say that I know what I want to be and where to set my goals and ambitions...because of television.