Reporting the truth.

I constantly watch the news. However, I notice that most news stories fly right by because less important topics are discussed. I'm not one to judge but sometimes I need to know everything in a nutshell but any story could be news to another.

I typically watch local news channels like ABC7 and NBC4. I find FOX5 interesting and I like the convenience at 10 p।m. especially if there is snow in the forecast.

My mom watches mostly international news received from the source directly in Pakistan via her satellite connection. In the country, there is constant violence and turmoil or else a terrible disaster like a train wreck or earthquake. Today, my mom discussed an attack on a news station by police officers armed with weapons and tear gas.

According to the PakTribune.com article, several people were manhandled and beaten and offices were destroyed. The DailyTimes.com.pk discussed how the independence of the media is being threatened by these forces. The station, GEO-TV, is known for its investigative reporting and accuracy by eliminating bias. It makes me question: How much do reporters have to sacrifice in order to supply the truth? What is the truth? According to whom?

What are the procedures to protect journalists in these situations? The CPJ also reported the story.

Pakistan is a country dealing with a lot of issues but should be portraying a better image. With a 97% Muslim population, you would think that the country would be promoting peace more. President Gen. Pervez Musharraf promised to find those responsible for the attacks but it will not be easy. I still hope for the best but I know that things need to change. It's always interesting to get another point of view especially from my mom because she was born on the day Pakistan received its independence on August 14, 1947. How crazy is that? My mom is a piece of the homeland.

April showers in March.

I can't wait for the next couple of weeks. On Sunday, I'm hoping to be on campus to set up artworks in the Johnson Center's Gallery 123. I've never had my work displayed in a gallery space before, so I'm actually nervous of what people will think. At least I have about a dozen other students with me displaying work as well.

In case anyone is interested to see the work, it will be on display for one week only. The opening reception will be on Wednesday, March 21st from 7 to 9 p.m. Please stop by, say hi and grab some food! I'm hoping to take some new pictures and upload them to my COMM 361 Web site. I've tried Shutterfly.com to organize my albums but I later realized that it greatly reduces the quality of the photos. I'm looking into Picasa from Google and Flickr. I'm just tired of advertisements or watermarks placed on the images themselves. We shall see what goes down.

Also, I'm excited for ArtsBus trip to New York City, N.Y. on March 24. I'm definitely going to the Museum of Modern Art in order to write a paper for my ARTH 374 class. By the way, I have a midterm on Monday and I'm so stressed out.

The rainy-wintry mix today was cool.

iEverything.

During the break, I'm hoping to learn more about the important tools that our guest speakers have spoken highly about such as certain software programs and Web sites including:

• useit.com
• netvibes.com
• Picasa
• Flickr
• RSS feeds
  
• Firebug plug-in
• Audacity
• Podcasts

I cannot wait until the public release of Apple's iPhone. It appears that the device will pack the features of an iPod, a cell phone and a handheld computer. I'm excited that the product will be available to Cingular customers, because I've been pleased with my service so far. Also, by the time the device hits the public market, I may be due for an upgrade anyway. One thing I'm worried about is if the screen will be able to handle daily wear and tear or scratches. I know that the screen is sensitive and works through a multi-touch display by using your fingers but I'm hoping there will be some way to protect the screen.

This feature also sounds cool. According to Apple's iPhone High Technology Web site:

Built-in Advanced Sensors

"iPhone’s accelerometer detects when you rotate the device from portrait to landscape, then automatically changes the contents of the display, so you immediately see the entire width of a web page or a photo in its proper landscape aspect ratio."

"The proximity sensor detects when you lift iPhone to your ear and immediately turns off the display to save power and prevent inadvertent touches until iPhone is moved away."

"An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the display’s brightness to the appropriate level for the current ambient light, thereby enhancing the user experience and saving power at the same time."

Too bad that Apple CEO Steve Jobs is like the only person who has one.