Dumb Criminals-"Jailbreak fugitive updates Facebook page"

British man escapes from prison but continues to update his Facebook profile about his life on the run. Maybe i've watched too many CSI or Law & Order episodes but it seems to me like this is a dumb idea on his part. He's updating his profile about eating steaks and who his next girlfriend will be??? Is he serious? I'm guessing that his ego will get in the way and eventually he'll post something that will lead to his capture OR if the police can they'll track the ip addresses from where he's updating his statuses and get him that way.

For More information:
"Jailbreak fugitive updates Facebook page"-CNN

A new way to publish

Hey everyone i recently found this alternative way to publish information to here. As i mentioned earlier and posted previously i reported in India but instead of scrolling through my seemingly endless blog postings you can click or view at the issu publication and see that some of them are published altogether to make it easier for you.
Enjoy & Thanks.

Culture Shock?...not so much

In anticipation of my trip to Hyderabad, India, I asked people who have travelled to that part of the world about what to expect and the consistent response that I received was that it would be somewhat of a culture shock to the life i'm used to living in the United States.  There were some immediate differences but I wasn't terribly surprised by my surroundings even though they were extremely impoverished and underdeveloped.  The United States isn't this fairytale Utopia, there is poverty in the United States...there are thousands of people lined along the streets forced to beg and rely on donations from strangers to eat. There are protesters, theft and violence.

The one thing that I adored about being in India was being able to experience firsthand their extremely rich culture. Some of the people were very nice and hospitable and didn't mind showing more of their everyday life or explaining the meaning (if they spoke english) of certain cultural customs. Some of their mannerisms were incredibly misleading, like the "nodding". In the U.S. we typically shake our head left to right to say "No" or up and down to say "Yes. In some parts of Hyderabad, India they would nod their heads loosely left to right, very similar to a bobble head to say yes but shake their hands to say no. So if someone begs from you and you shake your head and think you're saying no...guess what you're really saying yes. It took nearly a week to get used to that custom, and by that time it was almost time to leave.

It was intriguing to watch how the mothers would use their children i'm guessing for a sympathy factor to solicit money. They would watch for foreigners and point them out for the kids.  I'm very big on donating so whether it was Rupees or in my case  Pringles, chocolate bars, bottles of Coca-Cola, money, or whatever  I gave whatever I had on me at the time.  I read somewhere that you shouldn't always give them money because gangsters would use the children to collect money then put that money towards criminal activities, so i gave them food and money. Although I don't support criminal activities, I'll take my chances. No child should be left hungry. No child.

I'm especially thankful that i received the opportunity to travel across the world and make such everlasting memories.

Schibsted International editor Frederic Filloux says journalists must learn how to sell themselves and their content

By:Shakia Harris


Frederic Filloux, editor at Schibsted International, emphasized at the 16th World Editors Forum that journalists should be thinking long term and learn to promote themselves by selling their content with multimedia, blogs and other websites.

When Laura Olivier, editor of journalism.co.uk, United Kingdom, asked if it was possible for multimedia to be picked up late in the game, or if it's something that must be learned as a student journalist, Filloux said that training at any stage is essential in the newsroom.

"The biggest collective failure when we're facing the management of the newsroom is the training of people," Filloux said. "We have failed to actually train our people to new techniques."
He said that a keen sense of the business side of the media is extremely important and traditionally journalists are not very good at promoting themselves. He said that if they utilize the internet effectively then journalist can not only sell their content but themselves as well. Apart from publishing outlets, blogs and websites can also be viewed as resumes.

"You are actually a voice, you are actually a face, you are actually a publisher," Filloux said.

When paired with good content he said that journalism and entrepreneurship are good ingredients to start publishing businesses as well.
Read More....

NEWSROOM CAFES!!-Roman Gallo shares how Nasa Andresa is making money off media content

By: Shakia Harris

Roman Gallo, director of media strategies, PPF, explained how his hyperlocal weekly papers, websites, and newsroom cafes have directly affected the monetization of media content.

When Nase Adresa introduced its pilot hyperlocal program six months ago, the company chose four of the fourteen regions in the Czech Republic in which to launch three hyperlocal weeklies, five websites, and a specialized newsroom café in the Kroměříž district.

The print weeklies are created in part by the editors with direct involvement from the local communities and suggestions given at the cafés. Gallo said that people are able to walk directly into a café and work alongside the news staff to contribute ideas.

He said that printing dailies on Monday morning enables them to be the first medium in the Czech Republic to bring the people the news on popular topics like football.

They decided against mimicking the classic newsroom and instead built a newsroom café where the people can have direct contact with journalists and editors while enjoying the same amenities of a normal café . The café also offers entertainment to increase community involvement. The sales from the café are able to pay for rent and expenses, 25 to 35 percent of which go directly towards the centralized newsroom, said Gallo.
Read More...

Facebook provides Alibi for Robbery suspect

Facebook status update provides alibi

This article is about a man who was falsely accused of robbery and jailed for two weeks but luckily his facebook status was able to prove his location during the time the robbery tooke place and now he's free. This article really makes me wonder, how credible is facebook? How often will it be used for cases like this? My biggest fear is that criminals with say "hey i just became a fan of starburst on facebook, there's my alibi!".

British man provides photo for HIS own WANTED poster

Man provides photo for his own wanted poster-MSNBC

A british man wanted in regards to a string of house burglaries submitted an updated photo of himself IN FRONT OF a police van to the police and newspaper...because he didn't like the printed mugshot of himself.

Atleast it wasn't his facebook profile picture...i guess it could worse. THe paper printed his updated picture on their front page but I wonder if this guy is one of the dumbest criminals or simply a very smart 'smartass'..if he gets caught then the jokes on him.

Iraq Veteran discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy

Discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell'-CNN
In this article it talks about an army veteran who was discharged from the army after he went public about his homosexuality thus violating the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy. I don't understand why he shouldn't be able to serve? According to the story he served two tour in Iraq, and was in the army for atleast 6 years where he was promoted several times. The man in question, Darren Manzella, seemed to be a very valuable asset to the army. I'm floored as to why the army just doesn't allow these individuals from serving, especially when replacing them is not only wrong but going to cost them more money. I thought we lived in a country where discrimination from frowned up??? right??? If we're going to disagree with racial discrimination then i think it's only fair that we do away with discriminating against people because of their sexual orientation. I don't feel like their sexual orientation is anyone's business but their owns, and for the army to 'discipline' someone based on their orientation is beyond disgusting to me.

The most humane thing to do would be to do away with "Don't ask, Don't Tell" and let individuals who are currently affected by the policy to serve without fear that their sexual orientation with bring harassment or termination.

Life-logging camera brings new hope for memory-loss patients

Developers in London, England have created this mini-camera called a SenseCam to help those that suffer from alzheimer's disease, amnesia, or other forms of memory loss. The camera is designed to automatically take pictures of everyday activities and it helps patients to recall what went on in their lives from day to day.  It's an unusual feeling when someone who you've known and loved for years can't remember who you are. The article sites that the camera may be used for voyeuristic activities but the way I see it, the world is already so advanced they even have little cameras to put in their shoes and belts so with all do respect we're past the voyeuristic threats. I hope this product is able to help millions that suffer from memory loss so they can have some part of their life back and enjoy their families.

"Life-logging camera brings new hope for memory-loss patients"-read story here!

Orlando shooting stirs nation

**CNN-Orlando suspect caught after shooting spree

Just yesterday people worldwide were humbled by the unfortunate shooting at Fort Hood, now another shooting in an Orlando office building. It deeply disturbs me that individuals would take out their personal frustrations on innocent bystanders this way. I could maybe understand the shooter's motive if they only attached someone who had deliberately hurt them-I'm not saying it's right...but I just feel so sorry for all the families of the dead and injured especially since many of the individuals were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. It pains me to see people losing their lives for absolutely nothing. Regardless of the shooter's reasoning I just think that there is nothing that can justify the events that just took place in Fort Hood and Orlando.

My prayers go out to all of their families.

MOVIE REVIEWS!!

Here's my latest videocast of my movie reviews!!
I decided to provide reviews for recent releases The Proposal and The Orphan. I've included still photos of movie scenes accompanied with commentary. Hope you enjoy them!
CLICK HERE to watch them!!!

Washington, D.C. at a Glance

The nation's capital Washington, D.C. is a city rich with historical references dating back to the founding of the nation. Here are a few of the landmarks including the Capitol Building, George Washington's estate at Mount Vernon, and Arlington National Cemetary...

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WASHINGTON, D.C. GIS MINIPROJECT

Observing the President

As the campus government reporter i attended a meeting where Ransdell spoke and after a few of his comments I can't help but wonder if anything he said holds water. I'm a very open minded person however when one person says something and then the facts and figures say another you can't help but wonder if they're delieberately lying to you or exaggerrating to the point where the truth is no where near present.

One thing that stood out to me during that meeting was something he said in regards to the Board of Regents meeting, he said it was the first time in 12 years that the board did not approve a recommendation made by the president. In print this statement doesn't seem wrong however if you were able to hear the tone of his voiced and observe his body language something about his aura screamed "it's the first time in 12 years...BUT i really wanted my way...."

Looking back on Halloween..Was it worth the money?

After doing an article about homemade costumes it left me wondering, was my 1,000 of a kind costume from halloween express really worth the money? Granted, i could've made it myself with cheaper materials but i'm busy and lazy and in the moment digging deep into my pockets seemed like a great idea. Now as i'm faced with phone, educational, and other expenses I'm starting to second guess my splurge for a night or two of fun. I wonder what those who did make great costumes thought of all the copycat $50 ladybugs and police officers...

Should I believe in Fate?...Um Yes.

College Heights Herald-"Policy Creates New Aid" By:Shakia Harris
Today I stopped at Einsteins because i had a random craving for a regular cafe mocha, it was undoubtedly brought on by the Jack Frost weather outside. As i was exiting the building i happened to run into a really good friend of mine. This is a girl who is a double major in physics and something else that i could never even get a 'D' in and she makes amazing grades plus she takes honors courses yet the university wouldn't work with her to help her out financially. This is a person that deserves to be here yet instead of helping her out with financial aid or atleast giving her an extension on the tuition deadline certain individuals in the financial aid department with a 5-letter first name that starts with an 'A' decided to give her a hard time and was forcing her to leave WKU THIS WEEKEND!!

After my friend was done telling me her story I couldn't help but think about the article that i just wrote for Friday, October 16's herald edition, it was about an administrator who was taken funds out of his own administrative account and helping students just like my friend who were amazing academically but were unable to pay the bills. So i referred her to him immediately hoping that in the least he would consider making an appt to hear over her situation...he's very hard to get ahold of.

Once i gave her the info I could tell she was skeptical and unsure if he could do anything but she was out of options so she took my advice and went to speak to this man that she had never even heard of. Hours had past and i was in the middle of a very intense battle with my Art Appreciation notes when my troubled friend knocked on the door of my dorm room and informed me of how her 3 minute meeting with him went.

Fate. It must've have been fate for me to run into her today for that brief period of time because had I not seen her she never would've went to see Dean Kahler and tomorrow she'd be packing up her room and leaving Western for good. But i did see her and she did meet with Kahler and in 3 minutes he completely changed her entire scholastic, financial, and emotional situation. Not only did he set her up with scholarships for this semester but next semester as well. I think that this is a wonderful example that the school needs to do more to keep those who are truly dedicated to their education, here at Western and stop wasting money on people with a .5 gpa, Seriously.
"Policy Creates New Aid" By:Shakia Harris

Road to the Alter...Another Photostory

My name is Shakia Harris and I'm a Yoga addict.

I'm still unsure as to how this addiction came about. I took my first yoga class a couple weeks ago because i'm random and like to try new things. The first day when I walked into the dimly lit room filled with barefoot deep breathers I thought "dear baby jesus please don't let me fall on my face". I didn't do as bad as I thought but at the end of class after my awkward 'downward facing dog', trembling 'tree poses', and falling asleep during my 'child pose', i realized "Hey, I feel pretty good". I was relaxed, cheered up, and it was a decent workout. This was something that i could easily do on a regular basis.

Now, if i'm in a good mood then regular basis for me usually means once a week. For some odd reason I've been doing Yoga everyday a couple times a day if possible. It's like this drug that i'm gradually becoming addicted to and if I miss a yoga class or am late it's as if my entire day is incomplete.

Hopefully this mild obsession won't completely consume my life anytime soon. In the case that i have a random urge to do a triangle pose-> then I will have no choice but to sign up for the closest Yoga Addicts Anonymous (YAA)

Time to buy a paint brush

*I was approached by a friend of mine today who currently has a roommate that has a peculiar smell. She asked me for advice because I use to be in a similar situation with one of my previous roommates...

It's hard coming into a living situation where you have no idea who the person is and don't have a clue about their habits. So what do you do when that person is sweet as pie but there's just one minor flaw... That sweet person turns out to be a sweet stinky disaster.

In the past when I was in that situation first I thought it was an accident..a minor mishap..a miscooked meal maybe??? But surely I thought that the smell would pass and I could just go about my day as if I didn't notice the fact that my room smelled as if a Porta Potty had been installed on the left side of my room.

After the first week of school I took it upon myself to buy nearly every variation of an air freshener. I bought a motion sensor device that dispensed air freshener everytime you walk past it. I even bought flameless candles, febreeze sprays, dryer sheets to place in the air conditioner, and something that involves wooden sticks soaked in scented oils. Either way i've went above and beyond to try and "alleviate" this situation. I even tried to talk to that roommate about it, but nothing ever changed.

I told my friend that if she finds herself in a similar situation and she's exhausted all of the options that i listed above then Oh well maybe she should just try painting the walls with liquid detergent.

entertainment while writing a english paper

Quickpost this image to Myspace, Digg, Facebook, and others!

Here i am with an unfortunate writer's block. I tried to find things to give me inspiration but instead i just found this....another contributor to my procrastination..but hey atleast it's humorous.
Enjoy.

Get to know me and my family

Here's a slight glimpse into my life apart from just being a journalist.

The Media & Me..a true love story...or not.

It just occurred to me that when it comes to technology i'm not exactly 'smarter than the average bear'. I would love to not only acquire but maintain a job as a journalist when i graduate Western but the media convergence could be the death of me. I'm not the most tech savvy and struggle with my Google Phone, which is one drop away from being in complete pieces.

Working in the media i expect that one day, if not someday very soon, i'll have to learn how to not only shoot pictures but video in addition to writing, and much of this will undoubtedly be posted online. One problem, my pictures suck, my video production skills are imaginary, and the most time i spend on the internet involves updating my status on facebook.

The media and me...a true love story or ultimate failure.

I hope to slowly but surely acquire the skills necessary to survive in the future. It's not enough anymore to be a good writer in my field you have to present it the right way as well.

Spider-Man & the Green Man

I was on my way to Mass Media the other night when a burst of neon appeared in the corner of my eye. It was the infamous "green man". Some random, very thin guy who resides in McCormack who apparently doesn't posses an ounce of shame considering his costume is so tight it'd have to be peeled off. All of his anatomy..or the lack thereof... was out to display for the residents of the valley.

While the green man was running frantically around the dorms, spider man wasn't far behind. I wonder what provoked these guys to throw on their spandex and conquer the night?

Oh well batman should be making an appearance sometime soon. I'm glad i got a good laugh.

Hope Santa has meal plans

Today I've concluded that Western is definetly one of the most random places that i've ever been. While I was walking through campus with my friend Spencer i saw a guy who distinctly looked like the one and only Santa Claus. He had the beard, the glasses, the suspenders...all he was missing was a bag full of goodies and to be honest i'm not convinced that his bag full of presents wasn't resting in Fresh Foods full of meal plan items.

I wonder if Santa will ride the shuttle to the publications building and cheer up some of the moody individuals that lurk in the office.

Oh well, we'll just have to wait and see.